Yakov Shapiro New York NY Death:- Yakov Shapiro, the Jewish Agency Israel Fellow who served with distinction from 2021 through 2024 has passed away.
He was announced dead yesterday, Tuesday, the 1st of October 2024 by Columbia/Barnard Hillel. There was no cause of death reported for Yakov Shapiro at the time of this report.
Columbia/Barnard Hillel released the following statement:
We are devastated to share that Yakov Shapiro, our Jewish Agency Israel Fellow from 2021 through 2024, passed away. Yakov finished his tenure in June with Columbia/Barnard Hillel and stayed in NYC to teach Hebrew at a local school.
Yakov’s joy and warmth had a tremendous impact on our community – he greeted each of us with a wide smile, kind eyes, and an exclamation of “chayim sheli,- my life!” a favored term of endearment for everyone that he knew.
About Yakov Shapiro
Yakov, affectionately known as Yasha, made a lasting impact on the Columbia/Barnard Hillel community, where he concluded his fellowship in June. He chose to stay in NYC, teaching Hebrew and continuing his passion for education.
His radiant presence and warmth endeared him to all, embodied in his catchphrase, “chayim sheli.” Yakov engaged deeply with students, offering mentorship and friendship while actively supporting the global Jewish community, notably assisting refugees during the Russo-Ukrainian War.
A passionate runner, he completed the 2023 NYC Marathon, reflecting his adventurous spirit and love for life. His absence will be profoundly felt.