Tragedy in Mexico: Rabbi Arush's grandson to be buried in Israel
The coffin of four-year-old Shalom Saginer, who drowned during a family vacation in Mexico, is currently on its way to Israel. The plane is expected to land tomorrow morning, after which the child will be buried. The late Shalom was the son of Rabbi Asaf and Rivka Saginer and the grandson of the Gaon Rabbi Shalom Arush.
The coffin of four-year-old Shalom Saginer, who drowned during a family vacation in Mexico, is currently on its way to Israel. The plane is expected to land tomorrow morning, around 7:00, after which the child will be brought to burial in Israel. The late Shalom was the son of Rabbi Asaf and Rivka Saginer and the grandson of the Gaon Rabbi Shalom Arush. The disaster occurred during the family's stay in Mexico, when the child drowned in a pool. Local rescue teams performed prolonged resuscitation efforts, but were ultimately forced to declare his death.
Since receiving the report of the disaster, the ZAKA International Unit, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been working alongside the family members. Among other things, the parties worked to prevent an autopsy and to complete procedures with local authorities to allow his transfer for burial in Israel. Shalom's coffin was flown on a private plane from Mexico to New York, and from there is expected to continue on a flight to Israel. ZAKA continues to accompany the family during the journey home and until the completion of burial arrangements.
Yossi Landau, ZAKA operations officer for the Lachish district, who is accompanying the family members, said:
"Since receiving the difficult news, we have been accompanying the family members and assisting them with everything required. After we worked to prevent the autopsy of the child's body and to complete the procedures with the authorities in Mexico, the coffin of the late Shalom is now on its way to Israel and is expected to land early in the morning. We continue to accompany the family during these difficult hours and will assist with everything required until he is brought to burial in Israel."
Chaim Weingarten, ZAKA's Deputy Chief of Operations, added: "During the 'Bein HaZmanim' days, the ZAKA organization worked on a number of tragedies across the country and around the world. ZAKA volunteers and the International Unit accompanied families in the most difficult moments, worked with authorities in various countries, and assisted with everything required to maintain the dignity of the deceased and bring the deceased to burial." The funeral of the late Shalom Saginer is expected to depart tomorrow at 11:30 from the 'Hut Shel Hesed' Yeshiva in Jerusalem, on its way to the Mount of Olives.
