Tragedy in Cyprus: Kobi entered the water with his children and drowned

Yaakov (Kobi) Yadid, a 35-year-old Jerusalem resident, drowned at a beach in Limassol, Cyprus, during a family vacation. He disappeared in the water before his family's eyes, and after about two hours of searching, he was identified by a drone without signs of life. His coffin will be brought to Israel.

Yaakov (Kobi) Yadid, a 35-year-old Jerusalem resident, married and father of four, drowned yesterday (Tuesday) at a beach in Limassol, Cyprus. Yadid was on a family vacation with his wife and their four young children, after a long reserve duty. At some point, the family members went swimming in the sea, and then Kobi disappeared before their eyes. His wife, Rivka, contacted local rescue forces and remained on the beach for about two hours of searching. A drone assisting the forces identified Yadid in the water, and he was pulled out by the forces already lifeless. His sister said he was "a person with a huge heart" and "an exemplary husband and father." Baruch Nidam, director of ZAKA's international division, said the team began handling the dignity of the dead with local authorities in order to release the deceased for flight to Israel. Chaim Weingarten, ZAKA's deputy director of operations, added that they are working with the Foreign Ministry and local authorities in Cyprus and accompanying the family members. His coffin will be brought to Israel in the coming hours.