Betzalel David Shashuah

He is survived by his parents, Galit and Shai, a brother, and three sisters. Betzalel attended Imrei David Talmud Torah for elementary school and Yedidya Torah Education Center in Petah Tikva for high school.

Rabbi Simcha Berliner was Betzalel’s teacher at Yedidya Yeshiva for two years, in 10th and 12th grades. 'An outstanding young man, talented, very beloved, joyful,' Rabbi Berliner described Betzalel. 'He always valued success and progress. Over the years, he matured greatly in terms of character and good qualities. Since I knew him from the beginning of 10th grade to the end of 12th grade, I could really see how much he matured and developed—a steady upward trajectory. He didn’t let complexities or challenges bring him down; rather, he grew from them. He was truly a student who built himself up and succeeded in doing so.'

About two months ago, Betzalel visited the yeshiva briefly as a soldier. 'He said he had strengthened his commitment to observing Shabbat and putting on tefillin daily. He spoke a lot about the values that had become more important to him. He showed seriousness and maturity. I remember that as a student, he loved the song "Y-ah Echsof" in the Hasidic tradition. Whenever there was group singing, he loved to sing it. He was a very warm young man—a unique child in every way. A social leader. Someone who wanted to understand, to know. It wasn’t always easy for him, but he didn’t let challenges stop him.'"