Former Chief Rabbinate Director-General Yehuda Cohen Dies After Accident

By מערכת ice

Translated & summarized from Ice by baba

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Yehuda Cohen, former Director-General of the Chief Rabbinate, has died after a severe injury from a falling concrete beam during home renovations. He was hospitalized in critical condition, prompting prayers for his recovery from religious leaders and the public. Cohen had a long career in public service, including leading the Elkana local council and serving as Director-General of the Chief Rabbinate until July 2026. Funeral arrangements are pending.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Former Chief Rabbinate Director-General Yehuda Cohen died after a severe accident during home renovations.
Cohen was critically injured when a concrete beam fell on him, leading to prayers for his recovery.
He served in various public and religious roles, including head of the Elkana local council.
Cohen was appointed Director-General of the Chief Rabbinate in January 2023.
His tenure as Director-General was set to end in July 2026.
Chief Rabbis David Yosef and Kalman Meir Bar called for prayers for his recovery.

Former Chief Rabbinate Director-General Yehuda Cohen Dies After Accident — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

The Chief Rabbinate of Israel is mourning the passing of Yehuda Cohen, its former Director-General, who died after sustaining severe injuries in an accident during renovation work at his family's home. Cohen was hospitalized in critical condition, sedated and on a respirator, at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera after a concrete beam fell on him. Following the incident, his family and Israel's Chief Rabbis called on the public to pray for his recovery. Chief Rabbi David Yosef urged increased prayers and the recitation of Psalms, with Chief Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar joining the appeal. The public was asked to pray for Yehuda Rachamim ben Chana.

The Chief Rabbinate stated that Cohen dedicated many years to public service and religious affairs, first as chairman of a local religious council and later as Director-General of the Chief Rabbinate. He was described as a dedicated individual who worked for the Rabbinate, its rabbis and employees, and the general public. Cohen held various positions in local government and religious services, including serving as head of the local council in Elkana from 2003 to 2008. He also held management roles in religious councils in Kfar Saba, Hadera, and Netanya, and in the local councils of Ma'ale Eron and Bi'ina al-Maksur. In January 2018, he became head of the local council in Buqata, serving until September of that year.

Cohen was appointed Director-General of the Chief Rabbinate in January 2023, a position he held until July 2026, following an agreement for his departure during a disciplinary process with the Civil Service Commission. The Chief Rabbinate expressed its sorrow over his death and extended condolences to his family, concluding its statement with prayers for his soul. Details regarding the funeral and burial will be announced later.