After Dancing at Hakafos Shniyos, IDF Captain Falls in Lebanon

Captain Eliav Chaim Tzaplemus HYD, a 21-year-old combat engineering officer from Chaifa, was killed on Thursday when his Humvee overturned in southern Lebanon. Just five days earlier, on Motzei Shabbos, he was dancing with the Sifrei Torah at Hakafos Shniyos at Chabad of the Krayot.

The accident took place in the early afternoon near the Litani River. Three other IDF soldiers were lightly injured, and the IDF is investigating the incident. Eliav served in the 603rd Combat Engineering Battalion, operating under the 7th Brigade in the 36th Division.

Eliav arrived at the Hakafos Shniyos at Chabad of the Krayot to celebrate the continuation of the joy of Simchas Torah, as is the custom the Rebbe encouraged in communities across Eretz Yisroel. He was warmly greeted by the Rebbe’s shliach in Kiryat Chaim and director of Chabad institutions in the Krayot, Rabbi Levi Oirechman.

Rabbi Oirechman thanked Eliav for coming and for his dedication to protecting Klal Yisroel. Footage of Eliav dancing that night with the Sifrei Torah, a large smile on his face, has since gone viral.

The levayah will take place Friday at 1:00 p.m. at the military cemetery in Chaifa.

Hashem yikom damo.