Jerusalem Father Drowns During Family Vacation in Cyprus Beach

Yaakov Yedid, a 35-year-old resident of the Pisgat Ze'ev neighborhood in Jerusalem and father of four, tragically drowned on Tuesday while swimming at a beach in Limassol, Cyprus. The incident occurred during a family vacation, witnessed by his wife and children. After he disappeared in the water, his family searched for him for about two hours without success. His body was eventually spotted floating by a passing paramotor pilot, prompting local rescue teams to respond. Despite their efforts, Yaakov was pronounced dead at the scene.

Haim Weingarten, Deputy Operations Director of ZAKA, described the event as a painful tragedy and confirmed that ZAKA is maintaining close contact with the family. They are working alongside the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local Cypriot authorities to facilitate the repatriation of Yaakov's body to Israel for burial as soon as possible. This drowning adds to a series of similar tragic incidents affecting the ultra-Orthodox community during the "bein hazmanim" vacation period, underscoring the need for heightened caution at swimming sites, especially when many families travel for holidays.

ZAKA volunteers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue to assist the family with all necessary procedures to bring Yaakov back to Israel. The community mourns the loss of a young father in a devastating accident abroad.