By Erin Levi
“No place like home. This Jewish holiday season in Israel was one we’ll never forget. Between the ongoing sirens, national sorrow, and our own family loss, we found cherished moments together,” shared Chagit Leviev-Sofiev on her Instagram account (@chagit_leviev).
Grateful for a long-awaited family photo session, she added, “I’m so thankful we captured these moments with @rivkakinderman_photography in the beautiful old city of Jerusalem—something I’ve long wished to do.”
Just two weeks before, the family had documented themselves taking cover on the roadside amid blaring sirens, a white streak from the Iron Dome visible in the sky. “Thank you, Iron Dome,” Chagit captioned her October 14th video. “We love our country and nothing will scare us away.”
Tragedy struck a week later with the accidental death of Chagit’s 23-year-old nephew, Yoel Leviev, z”l. In a moving post, she honored him: “My talented, smart, good-looking, and Tzadik nephew, Dr. Yoel—yes, a gifted doctor at just 23, who spoke six languages and was set to start his IDF service—was taken from us in a tragic car accident. We are still in shock and heartbroken.”
Chagit reflected on how their family was together, gathered in Israel, for his passing. “It feels as though you waited for all of us to be here together. With just one day of Shiva, we welcomed the holiday of Sukkot, sitting in the sukkah you built for us…Your parents and siblings are devastated beyond measure. They tried to hide their cries, knowing it is forbidden to be sad during the holiday. May you rest in peace and watch over us, dear Yoel. We miss you deeply.”