Yitzchak Eliyashiv, a former gabbai at Heichal Moshe Synagogue on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, was murdered this week while on a trip to Turkey.
Eliyashiv, 45, was a well-known wildlife photographer and had traveled to Turkey shortly after Passover to document animals in their natural habitat.
According to reports in local Turkish media and Yeshiva World News, Eliyashiv had been staying at the home of a local man named Ismail Kara in the Gündoğmuş district of Antalya province. On Sunday, a dispute broke out between the two, allegedly after Kara consumed alcohol. The reason for the argument remains unclear.
The confrontation quickly escalated into violence, during which Eliyashiv was stabbed and critically wounded. He was taken to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Police arrested the suspect, who was also injured and intoxicated at the time of his arrest. Turkish authorities said the incident was not believed to be motivated by antisemitism. Kara has been charged with intentional homicide and remains in custody.
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Eliyashiv’s body was taken to a forensic institute in Antalya. The American organization Misaskim, which assists with Jewish burial arrangements, is working to have his body brought back to New York for burial.
Eliyashiv is remembered as a beloved and dedicated member of his community. His passion for wildlife photography earned him widespread admiration among friends and colleagues. His sudden death has left the Jewish community in the United States in deep mourning.