Am Yisrael Chai, Dream Raffle Donates Its 5th Sefer Torah In Memory of October 7th Hero

By FrumNews.com

Am Yisrael Chai—with funds from the Dream Raffle—donated its 5th Sefer Torah, in memory of a great hero who fell on October 7th while fighting the enemy in Kerem Shalom, on the Gaza border.

His name is Rabbi Amichai Weitzen, 33, married with 5 beautiful children.

Rav Amichai (as his students loved to call him) lived in this very unique community for 6 years and was a member of their security team.

When Hamas terrorists attacked early Simchas Torah morning, he raced into the dangerous situation and fought bravely for an unbelievable 6 hours. Unfortunately, during the battle, he and his friend, Yedidya (both originally from Psagot), were killed, al kiddush Hashem.

In addition to being a dedicated husband and father, Rav Amichai was the main teacher and mentor in Yeshivas Chalutzei Dror in the town of Naveh (just 5 minutes from Kerem Shalom).

This special Yeshiva has the boys working the ground, farming, and doing all kinds of agricultural work every morning until noon. After lunch, they have Torah classes from the afternoon and into the night.

These young men were broken because they lost the spirit of the yeshiva… the Rabbi who believed in them, who loved them…

“When I found out that this Yeshiva did not own their own Torah – I immediately decided to donate one from Dream Raffle funds.” Shmuel Sackett, Founder and Director of Am Yisrael Chai Foundation and The Dream Raffle, relates. “This Torah will be in memory of their Rabbi!”

“I must state that while I have been at many Sefer Torah dedications, there was nothing like this one!” Shmuel says. “The energy, the happiness, the excitement… it was incredible. One of the boys told me that when he danced with the Torah – it was like dancing with his beloved Rav Amichai!”

Rav Amichai’s father, Rav Yoseph Weitzen, the Rabbi of Psagot (next to Bet El) and when he said the prayers before putting the Sefer Torah in the Aron Kodesh, his eyes were closed but his heart and soul were open.

Shmuel Sackett continues:

“He danced with the Yeshiva boys for 2.5 hours in the most amazing Torah dedication I have ever witnessed.

“Look at the crowds that were there to dance and give honor to the Torah: I want to thank each and every one of the supporters of “Am Yisrael Chai” and “The Dream Raffle” for making this possible.”

Allow me to include one more picture:

This is Rav Amichai’s son. He is holding the Torah that is in memory of his brave and heroic father—an emotional scene.