The longtime Chabad shaliach to Beit Shean Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz, 50, z”l, was niftar on Thursday morning 8 Shevat after a long illness. The rav arrived in Beit Shean as the rebbe’s shaliach 30 years ago, and he became an integral part of the city during his years of dedicated shlichus.

The niftar was born in Belgium and his family moved to Israel when he was 4. He learned in Yeshivas Itri, where he was first introduced to limud Tanya.

The rav was diagnosed with illness three years ago and endured many yisurim R”L. he is survived by 13 children, the youngest being a 7-year-old daughter. The levaya took place on Thursday afternoon in Beit Shean. יהי זכרו ברוך

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)