Chernobyl Rebbe Calls for Prayers to Secure Burial of Rabbi Akiva Rand

The Chernobyl Rebbe has issued an urgent appeal for prayers after a deadly accident in Chisinau, Moldova, on Wednesday claimed the life of Rabbi Akiva Rand of Jerusalem. He asked the public to pray that local authorities release Rand’s body quickly so it can be brought to Israel for burial.

According to the report, the accident happened while a group of married Torah scholars was traveling to the grave of Rabbi Yechiel of Krilovitz, along with many other Hasidim who were expected to visit the site under the leadership of the Chernobyl Rebbe, who ultimately did not travel there. Rand, described as one of the important Chernobyl Hasidim in Jerusalem, was killed in the crash.

Despite extensive efforts by activists both in Moldova and in Israel, the body has still not been released by the authorities. The Rebbe instructed Hasidim worldwide to intensify prayers for the deceased, Rabbi Akiva son of Rabbi Mordechai David, so he can be brought to rest in the Holy Land “as soon as possible” without further delays.