On Wednesday afternoon, a nine-year-old girl, Atara Liba Cohen, was playing outside her home when tragedy struck. Atara was hit by a truck that backed up into her and pinned her under the wheel. The driver didn’t notice at first and Atara’s young friend had to let him know. The driver instinctively drove forward and ran Atara over again. Her younger siblings who were with her didn’t really understand what was going on. Hatalzah, and then the hospital tried to rescue her valiantly — but Hashem said it was time for her to come back. She was pronounced niftar soon after arriving at the hospital.
In just a few short hours, their entire family was turned completely upside down – and their lives will never be the same. Their family was shattered.
Atara was the beloved daughter of Rabbi Shimon and Henya Cohen, members of a large and close-knit family.
In this time of profound sorrow, the Cohen family needs our support. The impact of this tragedy is immeasurable, and the family faces not only the emotional anguish of their loss but also the daunting financial challenges that often accompany such unforeseen circumstances.
As the Cohen family navigates this difficult period, Klal Yisroel is urged to come together and provide the much-needed support to help them cope with this unimaginable loss.
This campaign is under the guidance of respected Rabbonim, who understands that words cannot adequately convey the depth of the Cohen family’s pain. Atara’s tragic passing has wrecked their world, and they now need both financial assistance and the space to grieve.
The family is facing a multitude of needs during this challenging time. First and foremost, there are the immediate expenses associated with the Levaya (funeral) and the logistical complexity of flying in kids from around the world to be with their family.
In addition, there is a pressing need for trauma therapy to support the children who witnessed their loved one’s tragic death and those who are in total shock. Furthermore, the family requires time to heal, which means not being able to work normally for the next 12 months. Housekeeping assistance is essential to help alleviate some of the daily burdens they face. Moreover, the children need additional love and care, and the family as a whole yearns for Menuchas Hanefesh.
While an initial donation of 360k is a valuable start, it is likely that more support will be needed to restore some measure of normalcy to the family’s life.
May the Cohen family find solace and strength within the embrace of Klal Yisroel as they face this indescribable loss, and may they know only Simchas in the future.
Donate To Atara’s Family Today
This campaign is being overseen by the following Rabbonim:
Rabbi Yossi Gansburg, Chabad of Ontario
Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, Chabad of Ontario
Rabbi Elazar Green, Chabad Lancaster
Rabbi Chaim Mendelsohn, Chabad Centrepointe, Ottawa
Rabbi Zalman Mendelsohn, Chabad Wyoming
Rabbi Shmuli Nachlas, Jewish Youth Network Toronto
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