Prominent Gur Rabbi Dies Suddenly on Bus En Route to Holiday Visit

A prominent member of the Gur Hasidic community in Arad, Rabbi Yehuda Aryeh Schnur, 64, passed away suddenly on a bus while traveling to celebrate the first day of Sukkot with his daughter in Hazor Hagelilit. Schnur, described as healthy with no prior medical conditions, was traveling alone as his wife was at the hospital with their ill daughter.

During the bus journey, Schnur complained of weakness and then collapsed. When the bus reached its final stop in Hazor Hagelilit, other passengers initially believed he was asleep. However, upon closer inspection, it was discovered that he had passed away. Medical personnel later confirmed his death.

Schnur, who previously lived in Ashdod, was a respected figure in the Arad Gur community. He had a miraculous escape during the recent Passover holiday when his home in Arad was directly hit by a missile launched from Iran. He survived unharmed because he had gone to a shelter, though his house was completely destroyed.

Following the missile strike, the Rebbe of Gur offered Schnur and his family the use of a vacant apartment owned by the dynasty in Arad. Schnur and his family had been residing in this apartment since returning from temporary housing in Jerusalem after Passover.

His body was released for burial after efforts were made to expedite the process. The funeral is scheduled to take place after the Sabbath and the holiday of Simchat Torah, with burial in Ashdod. The family will observe the traditional seven-day mourning period after Simchat Torah.