New York, NY – Yakov Shapiro, a beloved Jewish Agency Israel Fellow and educator, tragically passed away on October 1, 2024, at the age of 30.
His sudden passing has left the Jewish community and his colleagues at Columbia/Barnard Hillel heartbroken.
Shapiro, affectionately known as Yasha, was the Jewish Agency Israel Fellow at Columbia/Barnard Hillel from 2021 to 2024.
After completing his fellowship in June, he decided to stay in New York, where he pursued his passion for education by teaching Hebrew at a local school.
Columbia/Barnard Hillel expressed their sorrow, stating, “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,’ a favored term of endearment.”
Beyond his academic contributions, Yakov was also a committed advocate for global Jewish causes, providing aid to refugees during the Russo-Ukrainian War.
His adventurous spirit extended to his love for running, having completed the 2023 New York City Marathon.
Social media tributes poured in, with Sam LaFata remarking, "So sad to hear of Yakov’s passing…he loved his Jewish faith and mother so much."
Janelle Hartman, who volunteered alongside Yakov, added, "Oh no!!! I am heartbroken."
Yakov Shapiro will be remembered for his radiant personality, dedication to the community, and the lasting impact he made on those around him.