A wave of profound grief swept through the New Square community as the levaya of five-year-old Mattisyahu Glick, A”H, took place following a devastating accident earlier in the day. The young child was fatally struck by a school bus while on his way to cheder, sending shock and sorrow through the tightly knit Skver Hasidic enclave in Rockland County, New York.

As night fell, hundreds of community members gathered in solemn silence, many dressed in traditional black attire, standing shoulder to shoulder in an expression of shared mourning. The quiet unity of the crowd reflected the depth of the loss felt not only by the family, but by an entire community bound together by faith and responsibility for one another. Light snow fell as mourners assembled, adding to the somber atmosphere surrounding the tragedy.

Adding to the heartbreak, it was revealed that Mattisyahu’s mother had given birth to a newborn child just days earlier. The juxtaposition of new life and sudden loss deepened the sense of sorrow, underscoring the emotional weight carried by the family during this unimaginable time. Community leaders and neighbors rallied around the family, offering prayers, comfort, and support.

The Skvere Rebbe attended the levaya, a gesture that carried deep meaning for those present and reflected the magnitude of the loss within the Skver community. His presence reinforced the collective mourning and spiritual solidarity that defines the community in moments of tragedy.

As New Square continues to grieve, the loss of young Mattisyahu serves as a painful reminder of life’s fragility and the enduring strength found in communal compassion, faith, and unity during moments of overwhelming sorrow.