5:00PM EST: A Jewish woman was R”L killed in a plane crash in India, YWN has learned.
Misaskim was contacted by a family member of Irina Shekhets A”H, after it was confirmed that she was fatally killed in the crash.
The plane carrying tourists to an airstrip that serves as a gateway to Mount Everest in Nepal crashed today after being forced to turn back by bad weather. All 14 people aboard were killed, including four American women, a Briton and a Japanese.
Misaskim is working closely with Indian authorities, US State Department, the local US Embassy, and various other officials to have the body returned to the NY area for proper Kevura. Additionally, Misaskim is in close contact with the Chabad Shliach near that area to ensure proper kavod hames. Family members have already departed the NY area to Nepal, and the Chabad Shliach will be meeting them in the airport. He will assist the family locally, together with the US Embassy, and Misaskim Headquarters in NYC, to ensure that the body is properly identified, and released immediately so a Kevura can be done in the United States.
Misaskim volunteers are currently with the husband of the deceased, in Washington Heights, NY, Other Misaskim volunteers are currently with other family members in Bergen County, NJ.
Irina Shekhets A”H turned 30-years-old today.
The small, German-made Dornier passenger plane was returning to the capital, Katmandu, when it smashed into a hillside and broke into several pieces.
The U.S. Embassy in Katmandu confirmed the death of the four Americans and said it was ready to help, according to a Reuters report. Reuters said five Nepali passengers and a crew of three were also killed.
A rescue helicopter brought some of the bodies back to the capital late today, and further efforts to retrieve others will continue Wednesday, The Associated Press reported.
The plane had taken off for Lukla, a popular spot for trekkers and mountaineers, but turned back because of heavy clouds. It radioed its position about 12 miles from Katmandu and said it was beginning its descent. Contact with the plane was lost about two miles later, the BBC said.
The plane’s operators, Agni Air, identified the Americans as Irina Shekhets, 30, Levzi Cordoso, 49, Heather Finch, 40, and Kendra Fallon, 18. The U.S. Embassy said it had informed the next of kin of their deaths, according to The Times of India and The Himalayan Times.
(Yehuda Drudgestein – YWN)
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4 Responses
thank g-d for competent rabbis out in that part of the world
This is some Elul. Every morning, the Shofar calls us to Teshuva and unfortunately every evening, another reminder.
Another amazing work of Missaskim! When I found out today about Irina (who was a friend of mine and a nicest person)about the tragedy, I called Missaskim hotline to report that Jewish person was killed in that crash, and within minutes I got a call back from Missaskim coordinator who took from me all the needed info about her. In few minutes, he was on the phone with India, Chabad, US Consulate, and in minutes of time Missaskim volunteers were by her husband and with other family members in different parts in NY & NJ. I think it is a greatest Kiddush Hashem what they do, especially for a non religious Russian Jewish family. Because after all, Jews are Jews, and regardless of their religious level, we should all be equally sad when such tragedies happen. Let’s hope they will be matziach of bringing a body of Irina to US for proper burial.
To read the crash click here
http://www.northjersey.com/news/082410_Fair_Lawn_woman_killed_in_Nepal_plane_crash.html
Dave
We seem to be deaf…I’m scared of the escalatation…