Uriyah Sarousi z”l, a 48-year-old resident of Har Bracha and father of eight, drowned in the Jordan River on Tuesday after jumping into the water to rescue his son, who had been swept away. Members of his community mourned his passing, describing him as a man of gentility and chesed.

Sarousi had been on a trip in the north when his son entered the water and got into distress. He immediately jumped in after him and successfully brought his son to safety, but did not have the strength to make it out himself. Rescue teams at the scene later pronounced him dead.

He had volunteered for reserve duty, where he worked on technological solutions aimed at saving the lives of soldiers.

Following the tragedy, professional teams from the Shomron Regional Council and the community of Har Bracha have been assisting the family and supporting residents of the community.

Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, paid tribute, saying: “We embrace the Sarousi family and the Har Bracha community during this difficult time. Uriyah was a fighter in his soul, both in reserve duty and in his civilian life, a man of kindness, and his final act of heroism—when he jumped without hesitation into the river to save his son—is a pure reflection of who he was: a man of self-sacrifice, love, and responsibility.”

He added: “The Shomron lost a precious individual today, a pillar of strength for his family and a fighter who always stepped forward when called. We embrace the family. The council team is supporting the community and will continue to assist the family in whatever is needed. May his memory be blessed.”

The Har Bracha emergency response team also issued a statement: “With deep sorrow and shock, we announce the passing of a resident of the community, Uriyah Sarousi z”l. During a trip in the north, his son entered the water and encountered distress. Uriyah entered the water to assist and succeeded in rescuing his son safely, but his strength gave out, and rescue forces at the scene determined his death.”

The community added: “The community’s emergency teams are in contact with the family and are supporting them at this time. Details regarding the funeral will be announced later. We embrace Tehila, the children, and his sister Orit Kayam. ‘Death will be swallowed forever, and Hashem will wipe away tears from every face.'”

{Matzav.com}