In a rare and deeply emotional moment, a revered Israeli mohel passed away in the middle of performing a circumcision ceremony on Wednesday, leaving his family and community heartbroken.

Emanuel Yechia Meshulam, 88, of Rehovot, collapsed unexpectedly while conducting the sacred ritual at an event hall near Bilu Junction.

Paramedics were quickly dispatched, including his own grandson, Kfir — a Magen David Adom emergency responder — who arrived on scene only to realize that the patient fighting for his life was his beloved grandfather.

Despite determined resuscitation efforts, Meshulam was later pronounced dead at Kaplan Medical Center.

Meshulam was one of Israel’s most respected mohels, having performed tens of thousands of circumcisions over more than four decades.

He often refused payment, viewing his work as a spiritual mission. Known for his humility, kindness, and dedication to Jewish tradition, Meshulam’s presence was a cherished constant in countless families’ lives.

He also served his country as a lieutenant colonel in the IDF and later worked as a branch manager for Bank Leumi in Rehovot’s Sha’arei neighborhood.

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.”

Video footage from the ceremony, shared publicly with the family’s permission, captured the tragic and surreal moment of his collapse — an image that has touched the hearts of thousands across Israel and beyond.

Emanuel Meshulam passed away while performing a mitzvah he had dedicated his life to — ushering a newborn into the covenant of faith. In his final moments, he was helping a baby just beginning life, as he quietly completed his own.