Former Shas leader Rav Aryeh Deri expressed his pain upon hearing of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed a number of lives, including that of his close friend Moshe Shaba z”l and his wife Adela a”h, their son Avraham z”l and his wife Judith a”h.

It appears inclement weather conditions was responsible for the fatal chopper crash. Deri explained that Moshe was the opposite of what most people might envision a billionaire is like. He was extremely modest and unassuming, but a major contributor to many mosdos in Eretz Yisrael. Deri explained the coming months will begin to unfold the true magnitude of his contributions, with many mosdos missing his generous support. R’ Moshe believed in proper Torah education, and Avraham, 23 at the time of his death, learned in Kol Torah in Yerushalayim, as is the case with younger brother Chaim, 19, who was in yeshiva when he heard the news.

Rav David Yosef Shlita, who traveled to the levaya, was also closely associated with the niftar, explaining his unique midos; a man whose wealth was surpassed by his tznius. Rav Yosef added that he recently flew to New Mexico and accompanied R’ Moshe on this very same chopper, which the niftar owned.  Rav David also spoke of the unbelievable modesty of Adela, 40, a woman dedicated to helping others, who held the trait of modesty above all else, setting an example for many.

The couple left five orphans, the youngest being 7. Four of the children are not yet married. There is also the 9-month-old child of Avraham and Judith, 19.

The niftar maintained a close relationship with two Torah giants in particular, Chacham Ovadia Yosef Shlita and Maran HaGaon HaRav Aaron Leib Shteinman Shlita.

The niftar’s father, R’ Yitzchak, was saved from the tragedy. He too was scheduled to be on the chopper with others but at the last moment, decided to take his vehicle. When hearing of the tragedy that befell him, he tried to remember why exactly he decided to take his car but simply did not know.

According to a HaMevaser report, R’ Yitzchak telephoned Rav Ovadia Shlita after learning of the tragedy, broken and in pain, seeking guidance as what to do regarding his immeasurable loss and how to interpret his miracle, the decision not to travel on the chopper.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)