Yeshiva Bochur Aviad Elmelem and his cousin Elisheva Hadad killed in car accident on way to Jerusalem

Aviad Elmelem

Courtesy of the family

A teenage yeshiva student from Ashdod was killed early Monday morning in a car accident as he drove to Jerusalem.

Aviad Elmelem, a 19-year old student from the coastal city of Ashdod died after the accident, which also left his sister seriously injured. She was evacuated to the Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer, Ramat Gan.

Relatives of Elmelem released a statement shortly after his death.

“With great sadness and bitter sorrow we announce the death of our son, our brother, and our beloved grandson, Aviad Elmelem.”

A friend of the family, Avi Amsalem – who serves as a member of the Ashdod city council as part of the Shas party – recalled Elmelem in an interview with BeHadrei Haredim.

“When you wanted to give an example of a generous young man, you’d point to him [Aviad]; and I’m not just talking about his love of Torah and the religious obligations to others, which for him was so important – he was entirely dedicated to others.”

“Before Rosh Hashanah he called up 150 of his father’s close friends to wish them a happy New Year, and asked from each of them forgiveness if he may have done anything impolite during one of his visits to them with his father. That’s the noble behavior of a yeshiva student.

“That’s also how he was yesterday – Aviad was on his way to Jerusalem as a favor; he was driving a family into town – but never made it back. It’s a terrible tragedy. We can’t understand it.”

Elmelem leaves behind his parents and nine siblings. His funeral will be held Monday afternoon in Ashdod.

It was also  was announced that a cousin of Aviad, Elisheva Hadad A”H from Bnei Brak, died of her injuries. They were heading to Yerushalayim together and she was critically wounded. She succumbed to her massive injuries a number of hours later. Levaya details to be announced.

Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital trauma unit received four victims of the accident including a 29-year-old female in very serious condition with a head injury, a 20-year-old female in light condition as well as an 18-year-old female and 55-year-old male in light condition.

The photo is that of Aviad. The tzibur is asked to be mispallel for Osnat bas Tziporah bsoch kol cholei am yisrael. She is the 29-year-old, a sister of the niftar who is in need of Rachmei Shomayim.