Following days of intensive efforts involving Congressman Mike Lawler, members of his staff, Askonim and U.S. consular officials, the body of HaGaon HaRav Tzvi Zev Berger Z”L has been released by Swiss authorities and is now en route to the United States for the Levaya and Kevurah.

As YWN reported Tuesday, HaRav Berger, a 43-year-old Dayan of the Sanz-Klausenburg Kehilla in Boro Park, was suddenly niftar after failing to wake from his sleep while vacationing in Switzerland.

Since the tragic Petira, extensive efforts have been underway to expedite the complicated process necessary to allow the Niftar to be transported back to the United States as quickly as possible.

Congressman Mike Lawler and his office became heavily involved in the case, working tirelessly together with Askonim and U.S. officials in Switzerland. Lawler’s Senior Advisor Rafi Silberberg was closely involved in the efforts to help move the process forward.

In a letter sent Thursday by the U.S. Embassy in Bern to Congressman Lawler’s office, Sharon Cyr, Consul and Chief of American Citizens Services, detailed the Embassy’s handling of the case. The required mortuary certificate was completed and issued Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

“We are aware of how important timely return of a loved one is in these difficult circumstances,” the Embassy wrote, adding that its consular team would continue providing support to the family.

Following the intensive efforts, the flight carrying the Niftar departed Zurich on Thursday and is headed to Newark Liberty International Airport.

The Levaya is expected to take place at approximately 11:00 p.m. Thursday at the Klausenburg Shul on 50th Street in Boro Park.

A second Levaya is scheduled for approximately 1:00 a.m. at the Klausenburg Shul on Main Street in Monsey, followed by the Kevurah at Har Shulem Beis HaChaim, 44 Hillside Avenue in Airmont.

The swift resolution came through the combined efforts of Congressman Lawler and his staff, including Silberberg, Askonim who worked on the matter, and U.S. consular officials in Switzerland, allowing the family to bring the Niftar home for Kevuras Yisroel.

Yehi Zichro Baruch.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)