Bnei Akiva Mourns Veteran Figure Elimelech Levin After 50 Years of Service
Elimelech Levin, a veteran figure of the Bnei Akiva youth movement who dedicated 50 years of service to the organization, passed away on Sunday and was laid to rest at the Mount of Olives.
The Bnei Akiva youth movement is mourning the loss of Elimelech Levin, one of its most devoted veteran figures who dedicated 50 years of his life to the organization. Levin passed away on Sunday morning and was laid to rest later that day at the Mount of Olives cemetery in Jerusalem.
A Lifetime of Dedication
Born in Mexico, Levin immigrated to Israel as a young man after serving as the movement's secretary and treasurer in his home country. Although he initially began medical studies, Levin soon decided to pivot and left medical school to establish the Bnei Akiva training center in Israel, later founding its accounting department. For half a century, he served as the movement's accountant and acting treasurer until his retirement in 2017. Even after stepping down from his formal position, Levin continued to volunteer for the organization almost until his final days.
Living the Movement's Motto
Upon his retirement after five decades of service, Levin shared a poignant farewell message with his fellow members:
"Do not say 'when I was young I was in Bnei Akiva'; be in Bnei Akiva and remain young. With this saying, I wish to inform you of the conclusion of my active tenure in the movement after half a century."
Journalist and fellow movement member Elyashiv Reichner paid tribute to Levin, noting that even in his ninth decade of life, he remained a vibrant presence at national leadership plenaries and major events. Ohad Sagiv, a member of the Ganin community where Levin helped establish the Ohel Yitzchak synagogue, praised his exceptional devotion, humility, and gentle demeanor. Levin's family will sit shiva at 7 HaRav Kook Street in Petah Tikva.
