Journalist Yosef Russo Marries Michal Ankri in Ceremony Honoring Late Rabbi and Fallen Soldiers

Journalist Yosef Russo married Michal Ankri, widow of the late Rabbi Aharon Ankri and daughter of Rabbi Yoram Eliyahu, in a heartfelt ceremony over the past weekend. During the wedding under the chuppah, Russo delivered an emotional speech commemorating Rabbi Ankri, fallen soldier Yedidya Eliyahu, and his friend Eitan Orbach, all of whom hold deep significance for the couple and their families.

Russo reflected on the legacy of Rabbi Ankri, describing him as a beloved brother he never met but felt connected to spiritually. He praised Rabbi Ankri as the foundation of their new home and honored Yedidya Eliyahu, who was killed in combat in Gaza shortly after the war began, as a source of inspiration for their shared future. Russo also thanked his late friend Eitan Orbach for his spiritual presence at the wedding.

The couple had announced their engagement about two and a half months prior, expressing hope to build a new home "born from the broken pieces" in the spirit of unity and blessing for all Israel. Rabbi Aharon Ankri, a resident of the settlement of Eli and neighborhood rabbi of Nof Harim, tragically died in a car accident on Road 60 near Ma'ale Levona about a year and a half ago. Michal’s father, Rabbi Yoram Eliyahu, serves as a rabbi at the Meir Institute and the Morasha Talmud Torah. The family has endured additional loss with the death of Rabbi Eliyahu’s son, Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Yedidya Eliyahu, who fell fighting in Gaza during the recent conflict.

The wedding symbolized a blend of mourning, memory, and new beginnings, as Russo and Ankri committed to honoring their loved ones’ legacies while building a future together.