Jerusalem Youth Dies In Colombia After Mistakenly Receiving Friend’s Dairy Portion

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — A 22-year-old Jerusalem youth has died in Colombia after a mix up occurred in restaurant orders and he was given a portion which included milk products, to which he was highly allergic.

David Ohana suffered from a severe allergy to milk products. During the course of a trip to Colombia, Ohana was mistakenly served at a Bogota restaurant a portion designated for his friend which included cheese, after he had specified that he could not eat milk products. After eating and suffering an allergic reaction, David was rushed to a local hospital in serious condition but the medical staff did not succeed in stabilizing his condition and he passed away five days later.

Ohana’s aunt Joelle wrote on Facebook that “my righteous nephew has left us. My heart is torn and the pain is very great. Thanks to all who supported, helped and strengthened us in these difficult days.”

The Peduel yeshiva where David had studied posted that “we are shocked and pained by the untimely passing of our dear alumnus. He was a mature and devoted student, who had served in the tank brigade in the army. We send condolences to his family and friends.”

David served during the last year as a counsellor at the Shachar pre-army acadamy in Tel Katzir and was due to return for another year. Binny Madzinsky, head of the academy, praised the “beloved, admired and funny counselor, who chose to devote himself to educating the next generation and preparing them for army service.”

Three days ago, while he was hospitalized in critical condition in Bogota, Madzinsky organized together with David’s family a special prayer at the Kotel “to tear the heavens.” Madzinsky eulogized David, stating that he was “a revered counselor, without any exaggeration. An exemplary personality. In a short period he imbued his proteges with values they will never forget.”