Tributes paid to ‘very special’ man who died in Ukraine plane crash

A 20-year-old who tragically died in a plane crash in Ukraine has been remembered for his kindness towards others by the family of a man he helped care for.

Yeshiva student, Hershy Weiss, sadly died when a plane carrying him and three others crashed into a house in western Ukraine on Wednesday.

The Golders Green teen was reportedly a student at the Mir Yeshiva in Jersusalem and had been in Ukraine for a tour of Jewish holy places. A funeral is set to be held for the popular teen in London today.

The student had been a carer two summers ago for Yechiel Yosef Rothschild, 20, who is thought to be the community’s youngest coronavirus victim.

Yechiel – widely known as YY – had Down’s Syndrome and lived in supported accommodation provided by the charity Kisharon.

Hershy had worked as a carer for YY, and was today remembered for his kindness.

“He was [YY’s] carer two summers ago. He was a very special person, always looking to help others,” said YY’s brother, Yanky.

The organisation that Hershy worked for, Shabaton L’menucha, said they were shattered by the tragic loss.

“Hershy was a famous volunteer for our weekend shabatons and holiday programs, and more than that he was a volunteer for our beloved special needs child Yechiel Yosef Rothschild z’l, famously known for YY, who passed away last year from the coronavirus,” said the organisation’s Menchem Leiberman.

“We at Shabaton L’menucha are all shattered by the loss of the two young man who passed away so young ,they will be remembered by us for ever.”

Levi Schapiro, the director of the Jewish Community Council, said Hershy’s death had sent shockwaves through the community.

“This tragic incident sent shock waves through the Jewish community nationally and internationally, for those who knew Hershy Wiess,” he said.

“He carried his family’s genes of kindness, generosity, loving and caring, his passion for living and breathing Torah was a true inspiration for everyone.”

On board with Hershy in the fatal crash in the town of Sheparivka were Lazer Brill and Avromi Framowitz, both from New York.

The pilot Igor Tabanyuk, who is said to have had over 40 years of flying experience, was also killed.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office said officials were in touch with Hershy’s family to offer support at this difficult time.

“We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Ukraine, and are also in touch with the local authorities,” said a spokesman.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”