(Theyeshivaworld and combined sources) As The Jewish Link went to print on Wednesday evening, Miriam Meltser, the mother critically injured in a car accident in Woodmere on Motzei Shabbat, December 11, was reportedly improving, although her condition remained serious. Meltser is reported to now be breathing on her own.
A second accident victim, hospitalized at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, was rapidly improving and is expected to make a full recovery. The two other girls in the accident suffered more moderate injuries and one had already been discharged from the hospital.
As reported earlier this week, 15-year-old high school sophomore Liel Namdar, z”l (Liel Dina bat Efraim) from Great Neck, one of the girls riding in the vehicle, was tragically killed in the accident, with her burial taking place in Israel on Monday, December 13.
Namdar was described by Rabbi Yair Hoffman as “the ideal Bais Yaakov girl. She put her ideals into action. … Liel had incredible yiras Hashem, remarkable midos, and was a role model to everyone who knew her. … [she] was an extraordinary young lady … who exemplified the highest ideals of our nation.”
Nassau County Police told Yeshiva World News (YWN) that just before 11 p.m. on Motzei Shabbat, December 11, in Woodmere, an Audi driven by 38-year-old Meltser was turning southbound onto Peninsula Boulevard from Edward Avenue when it collided with a blue 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck driven by Arlin Javier Aguilera, who was traveling northbound on Peninsula Boulevard at high speeds. Meltser was driving her daughter Aliza and three friends home from their Camp Sternberg reunion.
A Hatzolah member happened to be on the block at the time and radioed for backup and began providing care to the victims. Hatzolah worked to render aid and transport the victims, using resources which were dispatched to the scene within minutes.
Police told YWN that Aguilera, 34, of West Hempstead, was arrested on charges of second-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree vehicular assault and driving while intoxicated. He was arraigned on Sunday, December 12.
A communal Tehillim was planned for Wednesday evening, December 15 in the merit of those who remain injured as well as for the neshama of Namdar, z”l at Congregation Ohr Torah in North Woodmere.
A fund has been set up to support Meltser’s family. The fund, set up by TAG, Rabbi Friedman of Rambam, the rabbonim of the North Woodmere Jewish Community, and Achiezer, had already surpassed its original goal of $500,000 as of Monday, December 13, with donations topping $700,000 at press time. Donations can be made at https://thechesedfund.com/kbh/motherof3?aff=ftcgroup or by calling 518-323-0376 and giving campaign ID 3043. 100% of the funds collected will go to the family.
Please continue to daven for Miriam bat Ina Pesya Yocheved, Chana Eliana bat Naomi, Aliza bat Miriam and Rachel Esther bat Tamar.
