Yair Levy

It feels impossible to write this, to put into words the enormous hole Yair left in all our lives. He passed away on March 21st, 2026, after a life lived with such fierce conviction and, honestly, a ridiculous amount of enthusiasm. I met Yair nearly thirty years ago, and even then, his energy was palpable – a whirlwind of opinions, stories, and a genuine, almost overwhelming, desire to make the world a little brighter, a little more just, in his own way. He wasn’t a man of quiet contemplation; he was a man who *felt* everything deeply, and he wasn’t afraid to show it. I remember one time, we were arguing about the best way to bake challah – he insisted on a secret ingredient (which, naturally, he wouldn’t reveal) and proceeded to demonstrate with a dramatic flourish, flour flying everywhere. It was utterly chaotic, completely Yair, and I laughed until my sides hurt. Yair’s dedication to his community, to his faith, and to his country was truly remarkable. Serving as an MK for Shas was important to him, a way to advocate for the values he held so dear, but it was never *about* the politics. It was about the people, about ensuring that everyone felt seen and heard. He adored his family – his wife, Sarah, his children, and grandchildren – and they were the center of his world. He’d call them every single day, just to chat, to hear about their lives, and to offer a word of encouragement or a silly joke. He had this incredible ability to make everyone feel like the most important person in the room, and he did it with a warmth and generosity that was truly humbling. Beyond the political arena, Yair was a passionate collector of antique maps – he’d spend hours poring over them, lost in the stories of faraway lands. He also loved to read, particularly historical biographies, and he’d often share fascinating snippets of information with anyone who would listen. But more than anything, he loved people. He had a knack for connecting with others, for understanding their struggles, and for offering a helping hand. He genuinely cared about the well-being of everyone he met, and that kindness radiated outwards, touching countless lives. Yair’s legacy isn’t one of grand pronouncements or monumental achievements, though he certainly made his mark. It’s a legacy of love, of unwavering faith, and of a life lived with an open heart. He will be deeply missed, but the warmth of his spirit, and the countless memories he gifted us, will remain with us always. Rest in peace, my dear friend.