Tragedy in Uman: 27-year-old Israeli woman, mother of two, died in Ukraine — the body is being prepared for shipment to Kiryat Arba

In Uman, Cherkasy region of Ukraine, a 27-year-old Israeli citizen, mother of two children, passed away. The woman died in a local hospital after an illness. The issue of repatriating the body to Israel is being resolved with the participation of the international division ZAKA, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Israeli consulate in Ukraine. The funeral is expected in Kiryat Arba, near Hebron.

The death of a young Israeli woman in Uman is a sensitive topic for families who regularly visit the city associated with the pilgrimage to the grave of Rabbi Nachman. The geography of the incident and the status of the deceased make the situation a subject of attention for both Israeli and Ukrainian services.

How repatriation is organized and who accompanies the process

Actions of ZAKA and interaction with authorities

According to the European command of ZAKA, the international division accompanied the woman even during hospitalization, providing assistance in medical and community matters. After her death, volunteers and representatives of the division promptly engaged in processing documents for transporting the body to Israel.

ZAKA Europe Commander Nachman Dikstein reported that staff are working with the hospital in Uman, local authorities, and the Israeli consulate to expedite the issuance of all permits. Special thanks were expressed to Rabbi Eli Hashin from Uman and the Israeli consul in Ukraine, Kati Nahshon — their involvement allowed the procedure to advance without delays.

The process includes a medical conclusion, Ukrainian registration documents, coordination with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and coordination of air transportation. Upon arrival in the country, the body will be delivered to Kiryat Arba for burial.

In such cases, adherence to the norms of “kavod ha-met” — respect for the deceased, remains key, as emphasized by ZAKA. The international division operates year-round, dealing with complex incidents abroad and returning the deceased for burial in Israel.

Uman and previous tragic cases

Death of a 28-year-old resident of Beit Shemesh

This is not the first tragic case in Uman recently. Just over a month ago, a 28-year-old Israeli associated with the Breslov community of Beit Shemesh died in the city. According to Ukrainian police and medics, the cause of death was presumably carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

According to preliminary findings, the leak could have occurred from a faulty heating system in a closed room. The gas has no smell and cannot be detected without special sensors, making such cases particularly dangerous in the winter period.

Rescuers conducted prolonged resuscitation efforts, but death was pronounced at the scene. According to sources, children in another room were not harmed.

The case caused a wide resonance among pilgrims and local residents, considering the extreme weather conditions — the temperature on the day of the incident dropped below minus 10 degrees.

Context: safety of Israelis abroad and the role of community structures

Uman remains an important point of attraction for Israelis, especially during religious dates. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to live under wartime conditions, complicating logistics, medical support, and the work of diplomatic services.

Situations like the current one highlight the importance of coordination between Israeli structures and local authorities. According to experts, such incidents require rapid interstate communication to shorten the time for returning the body and reduce the burden on the family.

As noted by NANews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency, each such case serves as a reminder of the need for clear action protocols for Israeli citizens abroad, especially in countries with increased operational complexity.

It is expected that after the formalities are completed, the body of the deceased will be delivered to Israel in the coming days. The date of the funeral in Kiryat Arba will be announced additionally.

The tragedy in Uman again raises the issue of medical safety, living conditions, and the level of readiness for emergencies for Israelis abroad. In conditions of regional instability, these factors acquire special significance.