Coach Mourns Young Fencing Champion Killed in Disaster
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Fencing coach Yaakov Fredman tearfully remembered his 13-year-old student, Elazar Yair Wilensky, who was killed in a disaster during a trip. Wilensky, an Israeli fencing champion, was known for his talent, discipline, and helpful nature. His older brother, European champion Dov Wilensky, returned from abroad after the tragedy. Fredman, who coached Wilensky for over five years, believed he had a bright future in the sport.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Fencing coach Yaakov Fredman mourned his 13-year-old student, Elazar Yair Wilensky, killed in a disaster.
- Wilensky was the Israeli fencing champion and known for his talent and helpfulness.
- The coach had trained Wilensky for over five years, seeing him almost daily.
- Wilensky's older brother, European champion Dov Wilensky, returned from abroad due to the tragedy.
- Fredman received the news of Wilensky's death on his own birthday.
- Wilensky had mentioned he would miss training for a trip shortly before the disaster.
Yaakov Fredman, the coach of 13-year-old Elazar Yair Wilensky, who died in a disaster during a trip, described the talented young athlete in an interview with Kan Reshet Bet. Fredman, who coached Wilensky since he was eight years old, said the boy was exceptionally gifted, disciplined, and always eager to help others. Wilensky had won the Israeli championship at age 12 and was already competing against older fencers.
Fredman recounted that he last saw Wilensky two days prior to the incident at a fencing competition in Harish. Wilensky had mentioned he would miss the upcoming training session on Sunday because he was going on a trip. Fredman received the devastating news on his birthday, around 6:30 p.m., confirming that his student was among those killed in the disaster.
Dov Wilensky, Elazar Yair Wilensky's older brother and a two-time European fencing champion, was training in Spain at the time of the accident. He had spoken to Fredman earlier that morning to wish him a happy birthday before heading to Morocco for a World Cup competition. Following the news of his brother's death, Dov had to abandon his plans and return to Israel. Fredman was involved in relaying the news to Dov and arranging his return.
Fredman emphasized Wilensky's outstanding character, noting his strong sense of discipline and his innate willingness to assist others without being asked. He also highlighted the close bond he shared with the Wilensky family, who were all connected to the fencing club. Fredman expressed confidence that Wilensky had a promising future in the sport, citing his talent, dedication, and strong desire to succeed.
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