Morris studied at Yeshivat Sha’alvim in central Israel and traveled to Mount Meron to experience the lavish celebrations of the Lag Ba’omer site, where he was killed in a massacre.
By JEREMY SHARON Published: MAY 3, 2022 00:49Email Twitter Facebook fb-messenger
Funeral of May 2, 2021 by Donny Morris, a 19-year-old American yeshiva student who died in a Mount Meron crash (photo credit: SHIVAT SHAALVIM)
Funeral May 2, 2021 by Donny Morris, a 19-year-old American yeshiva student who died in a Mount Meron tragedy.
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With tears in her eyes, Donny Morris‘ mother, who died in a Mount Meron tragedy last week, congratulated her son on Sunday night in front of a crowd of thousands of mourners and well-wishers who had come to pay their respects.
Morris, just 19 years old, from Bergenfield, New Jersey, was studying at Yeshivat Sha’alvim in central Israel and went to Mount Meron on Thursday to enjoy the Lag Ba’omer celebrations on site.
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He was one of 45 victims caught in the crossfire as scores of people demanded to leave the stadium grounds in the worst-hit area in Israel.
“My special and delicious bachur (student),” said her mother, Girlana.
“She was loved by many. He certainly had a fine influence on the Jewish people that will never be forgotten. ”
Morris’ mother described him as “a wonderful son, grandson, niece, student, friend and sibling,” who never complained, who was easy to please and eager to help.
“You have touched so many people with your warm heart. You had a bright smile, contagious laughter, a pure soul, ”he said, his voice breaking with emotion.
“I am a better person because of you. He was immediately removed from me. I want you near me… All I can do is hug you and kiss you, and hear your soft voice, ”cried her mother.
Along with thousands of yeshiva students and seminary students who attended the funeral, which was held in the courtyard of Yeshivat Shaalvim, Foreign Minister Omer Yankelevich, Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog, New Hope MK Yoaz Hendel and other dignitaries were also present.
Yeshivat Shaalvim Rabi lecturer Michael Yammer also introduced his student.
“It is very difficult to talk to you in the old language and not face to face. It is difficult to talk to you now when your body and soul are separated from one another, ”said the rabbi.
“He influenced us all,” he continued, recalling what he had said was Morris’ humility and his unique nature.
“Have a special kindness, a special beauty that comes from within and spreads out … Donny will live in our hearts forever.”
Morris was laid to rest in Mount of Olives Cemetery following the funeral. More than 5,000 people listened to the funeral live.
Following the news of his death, many who knew him, including staff members of the institutions where he worked and studied, took to social media to mourn him.
“His attractive smile and good looks made him popular with all who knew him,” said the management of Camp Dora Golding, where Morris worked and recently became a mentor.
Yeshiva University High School for Boys, where Morris attended, also mourned the death of his former student, praising his dedication to his theology and his generous giving.
Donny was often found studying in the beis midrash (study hall), not only during the shiur (class), but also during his leisure time. He often helps other students (students) to grow in their learning, ”the high school wrote on Facebook.
Many other funerals were held on Sunday for victims who could not be immediately buried.
Brothers Moses Mordechai Elchad-Sharf, 12, and Josef David, 18, of Jerusalem, were buried Saturday night in Meron.
Their father had a good conversation with his two sons and remembered the circumstances under which they were separated.
“Ten minutes later God chose them. These souls were not mine; these souls belong to Rabbi Shimon [Bar Yochai]. ”
The funeral of Dov Steinmetz of Montreal, Canada, who was a student at Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem, was held Sunday afternoon at the Har Hamenuhot cemetery in Jerusalem, and the funeral of Avrohom Daniel Ambon, 21, of Argentina is scheduled for Monday.
