It is with great sadness that Matzav.comreports the passing of Reb Yaakov Aharon Farber z”l, a prominent Belzer activist and one of the driving forces behind the Ma’alos Tzur military technology program, an initiative designed to enable Chareidim to serve in specially tailored IDF frameworks while maintaining a fully Chareidi lifestyle. He passed away Sunday night at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Yerushalayim after a prolonged illness. He was 32.

Rabbi Farber had battled a serious illness over the past year, prompting widespread tefillos for his recovery. In recent days his condition deteriorated, and he passed away as family members and those gathered at his bedside.

In recent years, Rabbi Farber became widely known for establishing the Ma’alos Tzur program, a specialized technological track within the IDF created for Chareidi participants. The framework was designed to allow recruits to serve while preserving their Chareidi way of life, including regular tefillah, Torah study, and strict adherence to religious standards.

Friends and acquaintances described Rabbi Farber as a yerei Shamayim whose boundless energy and dedication were devoted to serving the broader community. They recalled his exceptional selflessness, refined character, and warm, welcoming demeanor toward everyone he encountered.

He is survived by his wife and five young children, the youngest of whom is just three months old.