Nochum Yisrael Eber, 51, was found murdered in Colombia. (X)
Member of Brooklyn’s Belz Hasidic community abducted and murdered while on vacation; authorities say body found with signs of severe violence.
By World Israel News Staff
A 51-year-old member of the Belz Hasidic community from New York City was abducted and murdered while on vacation in Colombia.
Nochum Yisrael Eber, a resident of Brooklyn’s Borough Park neighborhood, was killed after being kidnapped in what authorities believe was an attempted robbery.
His body was later discovered in a remote area “bearing signs of severe violence,” following days of search efforts after contact with him was lost.
Colombian officials said that the attackers, believed to be part of a local criminal gang, fled after the killing. A murder investigation has been opened.
Eber’s family and community members launched urgent efforts to locate him when he went missing, working with local authorities and international organizations.
His body was ultimately found after an intensive search operation.
Eber is survived by an extended family, including 16 siblings across Belz communities in multiple countries such as the United States, Canada, and Israel.
Officials and Jewish organizations, including the group Chesed Shel Emes, are working to arrange for his burial while applying diplomatic pressure to expedite the transfer of his remains.
ZAKA, the Israel-based response team, has intervened on behalf of the family to facilitate the transfer of Eber’s remains.
The incident comes amid broader concerns about safety for Israeli travelers in Colombia.
Israeli authorities have previously urged citizens to exercise caution abroad, warning of potential security threats and unrest in certain areas.
Separate reporting in Israeli media highlighted growing scrutiny around travel conditions and security risks in popular destinations, as well as calls for greater awareness among Israeli tourists.
Community leaders described Eber as a devoted and kind individual, deeply connected to his community and the Belz Rebbe.
Friends said he maintained regular Torah study and was widely respected among those who knew him.
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