London Hasidic Man Found Dead in Ukraine; Foul Play Not Ruled Out

A 44-year-old Hasidic man from London, Yitzhak Almakiess, was found dead in a grove near the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, Ukraine, on Saturday around noon. Almakiess, a father of seven, had been in Uman for about a month and reportedly kept to himself, spending much time in isolation in the park where his body was discovered. Initial reports from witnesses suggested signs of violence on the body, leading authorities to investigate all possibilities, including murder. However, a Ukrainian police source involved in the investigation told C14 news that preliminary examinations did not reveal external signs of violence, though all investigative avenues remain open. The investigation is being conducted by local Ukrainian police, with assistance from an Israeli police representative, ZAKA (a national rescue and recovery organization), and United Hatzalah (an emergency medical services organization). Between 50,000 and 60,000 worshippers were estimated to be in Uman during the holiday period when the body was found. Almakiess arrived in Uman on August 10th and was known to frequently isolate himself in the grove.