The Jewish community in Russia is in mourning following the passing of Rabbi Dovid Michoel Schmidel, a man who dedicated his life to protecting the sanctity of those who came before us. For decades, Rabbi Schmidel was a tireless advocate for Kavod HaMes (the honor of the deceased), leading the ‘Asra Kadisha’ organization with a legendary sense of duty. His impact was felt far beyond the Holy Land. 

Roughly twenty years ago, Rabbi Schmidel traveled to Kaliningrad, Russia, to intervene in a crisis. Working closely with Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, they successfully halted the desecration of an ancient Jewish cemetery, preserving the final resting place of several Gedolei Torah. Throughout his leadership, Rabbi Schmidel remained a vital source of guidance and practical support for preservation efforts across Russia. 

His loss is felt deeply across the Jewish world, marking the end of an era for a leader who stood as a guardian for those who could no longer speak for themselves.