The following message was released after the first day of Sukkos to the media by the extended family of Reuven Schmerling HY”D, whose body was found erev yomtov in a locker in his business in the Kfar Kassam Industrial Area.
The extended family is overwhelmed and bereaved by the murder of husband, father, and beloved grandfather. For the ailing family, there is no doubt that this is a despicable murder on nationalistic grounds.

Reuven (Moti) Schmerling z”l was loved by all his acquaintances, a man of kindness to all needy without distinction. He was a focus of joy and spread light in every area of his life.

A person who contributed his energy and work for the benefit of the community and was willing to lend a helping hand to any needy at any time and many of the time he did it secretly. He served a chazan in the Shul in Elkana during the Yomim Nora’im, moving the entire khal as his tefilos emanated from his heart.

He was taken from us on his 70th birthday as the entire extended family planned to gather to celebrate his birthday on Sukkos. The birthday celebration was to our misfortune turned to mourning.

Publish erev Shabbos, first day Chol Hamoed Sukkos, Jerusalem

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)