After Months of Searching: Soldier David Strober Laid to Rest in Israel

A tragic event struck the Jewish community in Ukraine with the news of the death of soldier David Strober, of blessed memory. Strober, a resident of the city of Vinnytsia, disappeared on the eve of Passover last year, and since then extensive searches were conducted for him. Only recently, after DNA tests, was his body discovered in an area where heavy fighting took place.

Strober served in the Ukrainian army and fought bravely against the Russian invasion. He grew up in Vinnytsia and studied at the "Or Avner" school network. He was proud of his Jewish identity and did not hide it during his military service. A few months before he went missing, Strober was seriously injured near Avdiivka, but after recovering, he returned to the front. For his bravery and courage, he received several medals, including the "Medal of Courage."

The last contact with Strober was on the eve of Passover, when he managed to speak with his mother and wish her a happy holiday. A short call afterwards with his father was the last one, during which he reported heavy Russian shelling before contact was lost. Since then, his family began extensive searches with the help of various entities, including the Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine and rabbis. The fear for his life increased as the months passed and his name did not appear on Russian prisoner lists.

Last Friday, Strober's funeral was held in his hometown of Vinnytsia. A military funeral was held for him, but he was buried in the Jewish cemetery in the city. The rabbi of Vinnytsia, Rabbi Shaul Horowitz, accompanied the burial and recited the Kaddish and a chapter from the Mishnah. Rabbi Horowitz is now accompanying the Strober family in their mourning. He noted that several Jewish soldiers from the city have already fallen in the battles, but despite the difficulty, he intends to continue his activities and provide support to every Jew in the city and its surroundings.

In memory of Strober and other fallen soldiers, a "Chanukah Operation" will be dedicated soon. As part of the operation, Chabad emissaries will visit every Jewish home in Vinnytsia. The chairman of the Jewish communities in Ukraine, Rabbi Meir Stambler, noted that Strober is one of thousands of Jewish soldiers fighting for Ukraine's independence. He added that in response to the war, Chanukah kits will be distributed to more than 50,000 families across the country, and central lightings will be held in many cities. "Together we will bring the great light of Chanukah to every Jew and every resident in Ukraine. We all pray that very soon we will witness the resurrection of the dead and the lighting of the menorah in the third Holy Temple in rebuilt Jerusalem," said Rabbi Stambler.