Chaim Zelig Berl Z”L And Dovid Yitzchok Handler Z”L Obituary, Death – In the early hours of Friday morning, a devastating car accident in Jackson, New Jersey, claimed the lives of two beloved yeshiva students, Chaim Zelig Berl Z”L and Dovid Yitzchok Handler Z”L. The tragic event has deeply shaken the local Jewish community, which is now mourning the loss of these young men and praying fervently for the recovery of the critically injured survivors.
The accident occurred at the intersection of North Hope Chapel Road and New Central Avenue, where the vehicle carrying the students reportedly collided with a tree and subsequently caught fire. Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, but despite their efforts, Chaim Zelig Berl and Dovid Yitzchok Handler succumbed to their injuries.
Two other passengers, identified as Rafael ben Sarah and Meir Moshe Ahron ben Devorah Naomi, remain in critical condition at nearby medical facilities. The community has been called upon to daven (pray) for their refuah shleimah — a complete and speedy recovery.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and has mobilized the Lakewood and wider Jewish communities in collective mourning and prayer. Local yeshivas and synagogues have organized special prayer gatherings and support initiatives to assist the families affected by this tragedy.
Both Chaim Zelig Berl and Dovid Yitzchok Handler were cherished members of their yeshiva, known for their dedication to Torah study and community involvement. Their untimely deaths have left a void felt by friends, teachers, and family members alike.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, seeking to understand the cause and contributing factors. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward as part of their inquiry.
In the face of this immense tragedy, the community’s resilience is evident through the outpouring of support, memorial events, and prayers. May the memories of Chaim Zelig Berl Z”L and Dovid Yitzchok Handler Z”L be a blessing, and may Rafael ben Sarah and Meir Moshe Ahron ben Devorah Naomi experience a full and swift healing.