Early in the morning on Shavuot, Eli Kay was born and his adorable and mischievous nature pulled everyone in. Eli grew up in Johannesburg South Africa and went to Torah Academy School where he made lifelong friends and a deep impact on his teachers and peers.
He graduated with exceptional marks and decided to let his love for travel and new experiences overtake him by traveling to Australia for his first year of Yeshiva where he found a deep love for learning and Chassidut Chabad. Thus encouraged his decision to move to a highly academic yeshiva in Kyriat Gat in Israel. A year later Eli moved forward in the fulfillment of his dream to become a tzanchan, a paratrooper, in the Chetz battalion of the Israeli army where he actively fought for his people and country and commanded others in the same.
After completing a life changing service, Eli moved to Kibbutz Nirim in the south of Israel and began to work for Hashomer Hachadash, an agricultural organization where his strengths were noted quickly and he rose to project manager. At the same time, Eli studied a tour guiding course in order to share with others the beauty and history of Israel and all its citizens. After completing his work in the south, Eli moved to Jerusalem and secured a job at the Kotel in the Old City as a guide and gathered people to him with his shining smile. On his way to work on November 21, 2021, a Hamas terrorist murdered Eli in cold blood on Shalshelet Street only steps from the Kotel. Since the tragedy, he continues to spread light and inspire those from all religious, cultural, and geographical backgrounds.
“In our eyes, we continue to see the sweet smile of this pleasant young man. How suitable was the name Eliyahu for him. Named for Eliyahu, the angel of the covenant, who turns the heart of the fathers back through the children, and the heart of the children back through their fathers, who sanctifies G-d’s name in his lifetime and in his stormy ascension to heaven. It is a Jewish tradition to say “The Makom should comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and you should know no more sorrow.” Every private mourning is a mourning of Zion and Jerusalem. But it is also a Jewish tradition to say “May you be comforted by the building of Jerusalem.” Eliyahu is not with us today, but his great spirit continues with us. Jerusalem continues to be built.
Everything Eliyahu wanted to do with his life is continuing with tremendous strides. And everywhere you look, you can see Eliyahu standing there and smiling. “Lift your eyes around and see, all of them have gathered, have come to you.” In a few days, we will light the Chanukah candles, a symbol of Jewish heroism, the heroism of the Maccabees, and a reminder that a small bit of light banishes a lot of darkness. May the soul of Eliyahu be bound in the bond of eternal life.” Words from the eulogy of Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, at the memorial service for Eli Kay Hy”d.
