Legendary Kol Torah Yeshiva Director Rabbi Benjamin David Libeskind Passes Away at 74

Rabbi Benjamin David Libeskind, the legendary longtime director of the Kol Torah Yeshiva in Jerusalem's Beit Vagan neighborhood, passed away at age 74 after a prolonged illness. Born in Buffalo, New York, Libeskind was active in Jewish and Zionist causes from a young age, organizing support rallies and fundraising for Jerusalem's development following the Six-Day War. He excelled in sociology studies in the U.S. before immigrating alone to Israel, where he served as an Air Force officer in the IDF.

In Israel, Libeskind was appointed to establish and manage the elderly care department in Bnei Brak municipality. Eight years later, at the request of Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, he moved to Jerusalem to help build and manage Kol Torah Yeshiva, supporting its leadership and expanding its institutions. Over five decades, he developed the yeshiva campus in Beit Vagan and quietly aided many needy individuals, including students and at-risk youth. He was known for his integrity, humility, and generosity, founding a synagogue in Kiryat Yovel and continuously supporting charitable causes.

Libeskind received the "Honored Citizen of Jerusalem" award for his contributions to Torah education and social welfare. Colleagues recall his avoidance of conflict, his warm and encouraging demeanor, and his lifelong prayer for peace within and beyond the Jewish community. In his final weeks, despite frail health, he completed writing a Torah scroll. He leaves behind a blessed legacy of children, grandchildren, and disciples continuing his path. May his soul be bound in the bond of life.