Mother of Seven Dies After Long Illness, Leaving Family in Financial Crisis in Jerusalem

Yael Shitrit, a 40-year-old resident of Jerusalem's Beit Vagan neighborhood, passed away after enduring a severe and prolonged illness lasting over a year and a half. She left behind her husband, Rabbi Netanel Shitrit, a dedicated Torah scholar, and their seven young children, including an 18-year-old son studying in yeshiva and an eight-year-old youngest son. Throughout her illness, Yael worked as a kindergarten assistant to support the family and allow her husband to focus on his studies.

Her condition deteriorated rapidly shortly before her death. Despite being released from the hospital just a day before, she insisted on dressing modestly before allowing emergency responders to take her to the hospital again. Yael also left personal letters to her daughters, offering guidance on life, faith, and modesty.

The family now faces a severe financial crisis. The apartment requires significant repairs, and the costly medical treatments, including daily medication expenses of about 1,000 shekels, have left them with substantial debts. Local charity groups in Beit Vagan have called for urgent public support, emphasizing that Rabbi Shitrit cannot manage the financial burden alone and that community donations are essential for the survival and recovery of the seven orphans.

During the funeral, Rabbi Shitrit expressed his anguish over being left alone to care for their children, while the youngest son recited the mourner's Kaddish in tears, deeply moving those present. The community continues to organize aid efforts to assist the family through this difficult period.