Beloved Mohel Emanuel Yechiya Meshulam, Dies at 88 During Circumcision Ceremony 

In a heart-breaking turn of events, veteran mohel Emanuel Yechiya Meshulam passed away today at the age of 88 during a circumcision ceremony at Bilu Junction in central Israel. The deeply respected figure, known across the country for his decades-long dedication to performing circumcisions without accepting payment, collapsed mid-ceremony, shocking those in attendance and casting a pall over the joyous occasion.

The tragedy struck in the early afternoon during a brit milah (circumcision) event, when Meshulam suddenly collapsed inside the event hall. Emergency medical services were immediately dispatched to the scene. In a deeply emotional and rare twist, it was his own grandson, Kfir Meshulam, a Magen David Adom (MDA) volunteer medic who received the emergency call and arrived on-site, only to realize that the victim was his beloved grandfather. Kfir did everything in his power to save him, rushing him to Kaplan Medical Center, but sadly, doctors were forced to pronounce his death shortly after arrival.

Emanuel Meshulam was not only revered in his hometown of Rehovot but had gained legendary status throughout Israel and the Jewish world. Over 41 years, he performed tens of thousands of circumcisions purely for the sake of the mitzvah, never accepting payment. "I do it all for the sake of heaven," he would often say. Any money offered to him was instead redirected toward building a synagogue in memory of his father.

His legacy extends far beyond the world of religious practice. A decorated IDF officer with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Res.), he served in the military police alongside notable figures like Ariel Sharon. After his army service, he managed a local branch of Bank Leumi in the Sh’arayim neighbourhood while continuing his selfless mission as a mohel. He also conducted circumcisions abroad as part of various Jewish outreach missions.

In a bittersweet and symbolic moment just this morning, Meshulam ordained a new young mohel who had studied under him for four years. After his sudden passing, that very student was called upon to complete the ceremony; his first circumcision as an officially certified mohel in place of his departed mentor.

Meshulam was widely honored in his lifetime, receiving the "Yakir Ha’ir" (Esteemed Citizen) award from the city of Rehovot, and was deeply respected within religious and civic communities alike. Known for his warmth and humility, he was often heard saying at the end of ceremonies, “I leave happy, and the celebrant leaves happy.”

His funeral will take place tonight at 8:00 PM.

May his memory be a blessing.