Body of Murder Victim Released for Burial in Ukraine After 55 Days
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
The body of Yitzchak Elmakies, murdered in Uman, Ukraine, will be released for burial after a 55-day delay. Ukrainian authorities held the body for a murder investigation, causing a significant halachic (Jewish law) dispute. A recent rabbinical gathering concluded the delay must end, leading to the body's release. The funeral will begin at Rabbi Nachman's tomb in Uman.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The body of murder victim Yitzchak Elmakies will be released in Ukraine after 55 days.
- Elmakies was found murdered in Uman during Rosh Hashanah תשפ"ז (2020).
- Ukrainian authorities delayed the body's release for a murder investigation.
- The prolonged delay caused a major halachic dispute over delaying burial.
- A recent rabbinical meeting ruled to release the body immediately.
- Rabbinic decisor Chaim David Weiss condemned those impeding the burial.
The body of Yitzchak Elmakies, a Breslov Hasid from London and father of seven, who was murdered in Uman, Ukraine, is set to be released for burial after an 8-week, 55-day delay. Elmakies was found dead with signs of severe violence during Rosh Hashanah תשפ"ז (2020), sparking a complex investigation by Ukrainian authorities. The delay in releasing the body created significant controversy within the Jewish community, particularly concerning the prohibition of delaying a burial.
Initially, rabbinic authorities permitted a temporary delay to allow police to investigate the murder. However, as the weeks turned into two months, a dispute intensified among rabbis and legal experts regarding the prolonged holding of the body, with many arguing it constituted a severe desecration of the deceased.
The turning point came during a recent rabbinical gathering in Bnei Brak, attended by rabbinic decisor Chaim David Weiss, who was visiting from Antwerp. During the meeting, it was concluded that the delays must end immediately. Rabbi Weiss expressed shock and anger upon learning that his name was being invoked to justify the continued delay, issuing a stern warning that anyone impeding the burial for personal reasons would face divine judgment.
Following the rabbinical ruling and intense pressure from activists on Ukrainian legal and police officials, the final bureaucratic procedures were completed. The body is now expected to be released, with the funeral procession to commence from the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman.
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