A wave of shock and grief swept through the city of Charish on Sunday night, the first night of Chanukah, with the tragic passing of Nechemia (Chemi) Erlanger z”l, a devoted United Hatzalah volunteer and well-known community figure. Chemi, 34, was killed in a devastating traffic accident, leaving behind his wife and five young orphaned children.
The fatal accident occurred at the entrance to Charish from the direction of Mitzpe Ilan. Chemi was riding his motorcycle when a vehicle reportedly crossed several lanes and struck him head-on. Despite prolonged and determined resuscitation efforts at the scene, emergency responders were forced to pronounce his death.
Chemi was born in Yerushalayimon the 13th of Shevat, 5751, to his father, Rabbi Shalom Meir Erlanger, and his mother. He later settled in Charish, where he earned his livelihood as the owner of an interior doors company.
Chemi joined United Hatzalah in 2012 following a traumatic incident that profoundly impacted him. After witnessing a neighbor wait more than half an hour for an ambulance, only to pass away before help arrived, Chemi resolved to become part of an organization that could provide rapid, lifesaving response.
Over the years, he rose to serve as head of transportation for the United Hatzalah Charish branch. In that role, he was responsible for all two-wheeled and four-wheeled emergency vehicles, including ambulances, rapid-response cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, as well as for ensuring the safety of responders while en route to emergency calls. The Charish branch today includes approximately 100 volunteers, an unusually large number relative to the city’s size.
Beyond his formal responsibilities, Chemi was widely known as a man of extraordinary kindness. When responding to emergency calls, if he noticed that a family was struggling financially, he would quietly work to secure donations and assistance for them.
In a past interview with the Charish City news site, Chemi explained his broader view of emergency service: “Our role is not only to save lives, but also to ‘save what’s around’ — to look at the family’s situation, their children, their socio-economic condition, and to provide help beyond the direct medical treatment.”
United Hatzalah issued a statement mourning the tragic loss of one of the pillars of its lifesaving network in the region, praising Chemi’s boundless dedication and his readiness to be the first to respond to any call for help or chesed.
Eli Beer, president and founder of United Hatzalah, delivered a moving eulogy, saying: “An unimaginable tragedy. Our hearts are broken. Today we lost a true hero — a volunteer who always gave far beyond what was required and dedicated his life, time, and energy to saving lives. Chemi z”l was killed while riding his emergency motorcycle on his way from the base where he served to a Chanukah celebration with his family. We embrace his dear family and send our deepest condolences to all 8,000 United Hatzalah volunteers during these incredibly difficult moments. His memory and his life’s work will accompany us always.”
Chemi is survived by his wife and five children.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com}
Very tragic.