Thousands gathered at Yeshiva Chaim Berlin in Flatbush to pay their final respects to the beloved Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Shlomo Halioua, zt”l, who was Niftar on Sunday afternoon at the age of 66. Hespeidim were delivered by his sons, sons-in-law, and prominent rabbanim, including HaRav Chaim Kitowitz, HaRav Malkiel Kotler, HaRav Elya Yarmalk HaRav Yitzchok Meir Senderowitz, HaRav Avigdor Kitowitz and others, highlighting his dedication to the Yeshiva, Tzidkus, Anivus, Hasmada and his incredible Chesed.

At the Levaya, it was revealed that Rav Halioua had been battling illness for some time, choosing to keep it private to avoid burdening the yeshiva. Despite his suffering, he mustered the strength to attend Simchas Beis HaShoeva, where he spoke, danced, and greeted the crowd. Even as he was taken to the hospital on Erev Shmini Atzeres, he ensured that Simchas Torah celebrations in the yeshiva would go on as usual, leaving a message asking for tefillos and explaining he was suffering from an infection.

In a heartbreaking turn, moments after Rav Halioua’s aron was carried outside the yeshiva, the funeral for his elderly mother Rebbetzin Mesoda A”H was held. Rav Halioua’s eldest son, Rav Yosef spoke of the “same hospital, same floor, same condition,” with both mother and son passing within hours of each other. He attributed the massive Levaya for his grandmother as testament to his mother’s chinuch, which shaped her son into the revered Rosh Yeshiva he became.

In somber silence, the crowd of thousands escorted both aronim down Coney Island Avenue, past the yeshiva that was Rav Halioua’s entire life.

Yehi zichram baruch.