Remembering Yoel Lhanghal, z”l
It was with profound sorrow and shock that we heard about the terrible murder of Yoel Lhangal, a young Bnei Menashe immigrant to Israel, on October 7.
Yoel z”l was an ambitious 18-year old yeshiva student who immigrated to Israel with the help of Shavei Israel last year and was determined to fulfill his dream of getting drafted into the IDF to serve and protect the country. A dream that, unfortunately, will never come true.
We were shocked to learn the circumstances of the case and we call on the police and the authorities to bring those responsible for this violent act to justice.
Pnina Tamano Shata, Israel’s Minister of Immigrant Absorption, was among the many people who came to comfort the family. She reported that the family asked her that in memory of Yoel, the people of Israel should learn about the Bnei Menashe, their background and roots from which they came. That they are Jews like the rest of us, and certainly do not deserve discrimination or injury.
Shavei Israel representative Tzvi Khaute has been in constant contact with the family, assisting them at this difficult time. In addition, Shavei Israel has publicly called on the Minister of Education to amend the curriculum in Israel’s schools so that every student in Israel will learn about the Bnei Menashe. Education and awareness are key to ensuring that racist attacks will not recur.
The annual Bnei Menashe football (soccer) tournament on Sukkot was dedicated this year in memory of Yoel. A special ceremony took place at the start, at which Boris Yudis, Deputy Mayor of Afula opened with moving words. Avi Mizrahi, Project Director for Bnei Menashe & Absorption, spoke with words of hope and encouragement. Everyone stood for a moment of tearful silence in memory of Yoel before the tournament actually began.
We share in the heavy mourning of the family and send our condolences to them along with the entire Bnei Menashe community. We will continue to support the family and do everything that we can to ease their grief and preserve Yoel’s legacy by establishing a synagogue in his memory, and we will redouble our efforts to bring all the Bnei Menashe to Israel as soon as possible.
To contribute to a support fund for the Lhanghal family CLICK HERE and choose ‘Lhanghal Support Fund’ under ‘Choose a Project’.
May Yoel Lhangel’s memory be for a blessing.
