Teen Killed by Unexploded Ordnance Buried During War Laid to Rest

Elazar Yair Wilensky, a ninth-grade student at the Orot High School in Ma'alot, was buried on Wednesday, two days after he was killed by unexploded ordnance during a school trip. Wilensky, the youngest of five siblings, was killed by what is believed to be a Hezbollah cluster munition that was fired into the area during the war. The incident also injured approximately 20 other students and teachers, some seriously.

During the funeral, his father eulogized him, saying, "You loved life every moment. In a special way of love, in a place, in a heavenly sanctuary where there is only love. And may you have all the peace in the world." His older brother also spoke, remembering Wilensky as diligent, friendly, and loving the country and sports. He promised to fulfill Wilensky's wish for a two-day trip to the Golan Heights.

The head of the yeshiva described the profound grief, stating, "We stand here today heartbroken before an empty seat in the study hall. Dear and beloved Yair, how can one say goodbye to a student? How can one eulogize a child full of life? Our hearts refuse to believe the magnitude of the tragedy we have experienced as a yeshiva, as a family." His teacher, Eliezer Moyal, added, "Our Yair, everyone's Yair, a child of joy. Words are too small in the face of the pain, in the face of a youth who still had to learn, grow, and build his life."

Minister of Education Yoav Kisch attended the funeral and pledged to investigate the incident thoroughly to provide answers to the family and prevent future occurrences. "We will get to the bottom of the truth so that you, the Wilensky family, will have no open questions, and also to prevent future events. We grieve the untimely death of Elazar Yair Wilensky, may his memory be blessed."