Two Israelis Die Abroad; Bodies Returned Home After Diplomatic Efforts

Two Israeli citizens have died abroad, one in Vietnam and another in Thailand, prompting coordinated efforts by Israeli and foreign diplomatic bodies to repatriate their bodies. In Vietnam, 23-year-old David Ben-Lulu from Jerusalem died in a motorcycle accident on Friday, September 4, hundreds of kilometers from Hanoi while traveling in the country. The situation was complicated by Ben-Lulu's dual Israeli-French citizenship, requiring involvement from both Israeli and French authorities. The French consulate in Hanoi opened on Sunday, September 7, to process necessary documents. Serge Ben-Haim, head of ZAKA's France division, personally engaged with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the process. ZAKA is coordinating the transport of Ben-Lulu's body from its remote location to Hanoi, and then to Israel for burial. Haim Weingarten, ZAKA's Deputy Director General for Operations, described the situation as complex due to the need to coordinate with multiple governments. ZAKA's international unit is working with its French branch and the family to expedite the repatriation.

Separately, an approximately 70-year-old Israeli citizen drowned in a hotel swimming pool in Pattaya, Thailand. Further details regarding the circumstances of this death have not yet been released. In both cases, Israeli authorities and the ZAKA organization are working to complete local procedures, finalize documentation, and obtain permits for the return of the deceased to Israel for burial by their families.