Nechemya (Chemi) Erlanger

Nechemya Erlanger, known as Chemi, was born in Jerusalem on 25 January 1991, the son of Esther Leah and Shalom Meir and one of their eleven children. He grew up in the Ramot neighborhood. His municipal memorial page recounts that from an early age he showed curiosity and a talent for working with his hands: a neighbor who taught him to repair and build things opened up a world of practical learning. As an adult, he became a locksmith and ran his own interior-door business, and friends and neighbors turned to him when something needed fixing.

Chemi married Sapir, and they built a family with five children: Harel, Shimshon, Michael, Adi and Itamar. The family lived in Netanya and later in Harish. Among their memories was a trip he presented to the children as a visit to Jerusalem, until, at the airport, he revealed that he had arranged a holiday abroad for them. Alongside his work, he devoted much time to his family and to volunteering, and neighbors could turn to him for help outside working hours as well.

In 2012 he joined United Hatzalah, following an incident in which a person had waited for medical help. He served as an emergency motorcycle responder and held a transport-related role in Harish. On 9 October 2023 he reported for reserve duty and served in the Military Rabbinate. The organization's website also recounts his help for the Cooperstein family: after the father, Tal, was injured in a road accident, Chemi worked in the family's falafel shop to help it keep operating and earning a living during that difficult time.

Chemi fell during his service on 14 December 2025, aged thirty-four. According to United Hatzalah, he was killed in an accident while on his way home to celebrate Hanukkah with his family. He was buried in the military section in Netanya and is survived by his wife, five children, parents and siblings. Ahead of the thirty-day memorial, Sapir and the children received his rescue equipment in the presence of Bar Cooperstein and Eli Beer. Sapir announced then that she wished to follow his path and volunteer with the organization. May his memory be a blessing.