Yeshiva Student, 17, Killed Leaving Selichot in Hadera

A devastating tragedy struck the community of Itamar and the Atia family: Amichai Atia, 17, a resident of the community and twelfth-grade student at Yeshivat Chitzim, was killed when he was struck by a vehicle in Hadera while in a parking area near a mass Selichot event he had attended with his fellow students.

The incident occurred near the Selichot gathering organized by Yeshivat Olga in cooperation with the Hadera municipality. According to reports, a driver from the Arab village of Kfar Manda was traveling at high speed through the parking area when he struck Amichai. The teenager sustained critical injuries and was later pronounced dead. The exact circumstances of the incident are under intensive police investigation.

Amichai, son of Sagit and Yonah Atia, is survived by five siblings, including a twin brother. The Itamar community described him as "a beloved, values-driven and vibrant young man, a significant figure among the youth of the community and an active youth group counselor."

Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan spoke with the yeshiva's administration, the community leadership, and Hadera Mayor Nir Ben Haim. The two remain in contact along with professional teams, educational staff and welfare services. Teams from the Shomron Regional Council are supporting the Atia family, the Itamar community, and the yeshiva staff and students during this difficult time.

"We are shocked and in pain. Amichai was a young man with his whole life ahead of him. He went out with his friends for an evening of Selichot and did not return home," said Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan. "We embrace his parents, his brothers and sisters, his friends and the entire Itamar community. I spoke with the mayor of Hadera and we are in contact with all relevant parties to provide the best possible response. The Shomron Council will support the family and the community in whatever is needed. May his memory be a blessing."

The Itamar leadership stated: "The entire Itamar community is in pain and shock over the tragic death of Amichai Atia, a son of the community and student at Yeshivat Chitzim. Amichai was a full partner in community life, beloved by his friends and respected by those around him, and left a deep mark during his time as part of the community's life. The entire Atia family is a beloved and highly significant family in the Itamar community."

Since news of the tragedy broke, the community leadership, community teams and professional staff have been supporting the family, Amichai's friends and the youth, and will continue to stand by them in whatever is needed.

Baruch Dayan HaEmet.