Israeli Rabbi Mourns Man Killed in Thailand Motorcycle Crash
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Natanel Eliyashiv of Eli eulogized Ofir Deli, who died in a motorcycle accident in Thailand. Deli, a former combat soldier and father of six, had recently recovered from a severe illness. He was on a recovery trip in Thailand when the fatal accident occurred. The circumstances of the crash are under investigation by local authorities.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ofir Deli, a resident of Eli, died in a motorcycle accident in Thailand.
- Rabbi Natanel Eliyashiv delivered a eulogy for Deli, remembering him as a "dear friend."
- Deli had recently recovered from a severe illness before his fatal trip.
- He was a former combat soldier in the elite Maglan unit.
- Deli is survived by his wife and six children.
- The circumstances of the accident are under investigation.
Rabbi Natanel Eliyashiv, a resident of the community of Eli, delivered a eulogy for Ofir Deli, who died in a motorcycle accident in the Krabi province of Thailand. "Suddenly, in one moment, he was taken from us," Rabbi Eliyashiv wrote in a Facebook post, describing Deli as a "dear friend."
Deli, who lived in Eli for nearly 20 years, had previously studied at the Bnei David institutions in Eli and later completed academic studies at Ariel University. He served as a combat soldier in the elite Maglan unit and continued in reserve duty with the Commando Brigade. In his civilian life, he worked at the company Mobileye.
Rabbi Eliyashiv recounted Deli's life, noting his dedication to Torah study even while pursuing university and work. Deli had developed a special connection with Rabbi Giora Radler, for whom he edited and published deep booklets, and also with Rabbi Yosef Kellner, alongside other scholars. He had recently celebrated being honored as "Chatan Torah" (Groom of the Torah) on Simchat Torah.
In the past year, Deli had battled a severe illness, which had been life-threatening. The community prayed for him, and rejoiced when he showed signs of recovery, returning to synagogue. "We thought the worst was behind him," Rabbi Eliyashiv stated. "We saw that he had risen above his suffering, and a thread of kindness and compassion was drawn upon him."
Despite overcoming his illness, Deli was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in Thailand while on a recovery trip with a friend. The circumstances of the accident are still under investigation by local authorities. Rabbi Eliyashiv concluded his eulogy by expressing the community's grief and the void Deli's absence would leave, remembering his smile, curiosity, pursuit of truth, and love for Torah and humanity.
Deli is survived by his wife, Shira, and their six children: Nili, Gili, Ori, Mordechai, Yitzchak, and Tobi.
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