The Jewish community was dealt a serious blow on Rosh Hashana, with the Petira of R’ Shlomo Zakheim Z”L, one of the greatest Baalei Chesed in this generation. He was 59 years old.

Shlomo was a longtime member of Flatbush Hatzolah (F32), for more than 30 years. In fact, Shlomo was the first paramedic in Hatzolah, leading the way to the current reality – of hundreds of Paramedics and possibly tens of thousands of lives saved.

Shlomo was heavily involved in Camp Simcha / Chai Lifeline, and personally touched the lives of thousands of children fighting cancer.

He had his own “make a wish foundation”, and flew sick children to the most exotic places in the world, arranging their final wishes – all without fanfare.

Shlomo and his wife Fayge’s entire lives revolved around Chessed: Taking care of thousands of broken Neshamos, Yesomim (orphans), Almanos (widows), people suffering from all types of diseases, Mosdos Hatorah, and anything that came his way. He was a miracle maker, and moved mountains to do a chessed.

He did all this while remaining anonymous, and out of sight – never seeking publicity, and staying away from any Kavod.

In fact, the true loss of Shlomo Zakheim will probably never be known, as much of his astonishing legacy of chesed was done without a name.

Despite suffering from an illness the past year, Shlomo continued his acts of Chesed from his hospital bed – until his last days. Weak and unable to speak, he conducted his Chesed through email and text until he was unable to do that. He never wavered in his strong Emunah, and showed tremendous Bitachon until his final moments – responding to emails with the words “Ain Od Milvadio”….

He leaves behind a family of Bnei Torah, all following in his path of Torah and Chesed. May Hashem give them the Koach to overcome this horrific tragedy, and continue in his ways.

The Levaya will be on Sunday at 1:00PM, in Shomrei Hadas Chapels, 14th Avenue and 39th Street.

Boruch Dayan Emmes…