Found Deceased LA - Michael Gelfand 33, left NJ for business, didn't return home, New Orleans, 6 Jan 2022 *Reward*

[Warwick1991]

What is R"L?

It is an ancient Aramaic abbreviation for the phrase “May the Compassionate One save us.” It is used by Orthodox Jews when referring to a tragic death.

 

[bombardier]

I'm not gonna give up on Michael/Mordy yet. I'll wait and see if any MSM publishes the belief he drowned; as of now it's only two Jewish-specific websites. The articles are saying 'received an update based on a report'...typically when PD publishes a report, they either make it public to all or send it to all relevant news sites in the area. I'm sure this would make mainstream news because other sites also reported his disappearance.
Wondering if someone might be trolling these websites and sent a fraudulent report or something.

 

[OrangeCash]

Please forgive my ignorance, I'm just wondering if suicide is something that isn't openly talked about in Orthodox Jewish communities. Could it be possible that a news report stating a tragic drowning would be kinder than a report stating suicide?
Kinder isn't the right word, but I can't place what the right word would be

 

[whitelilac]

According to Orthodox Jewish law, suicide is a sin and forbidden. It is believed that how/when we are born and how/when we die is in God's hands. However in cases of terminal illness, I believe assisted suicide may be acceptable. (I think it is acceptable for Reformed Judaism, not sure for the Orthodox)
If this poor man was (or is) Orthodox I'd think he wouldn't harm himself as it would go against his own beliefs and values.

Hard to say though regarding a particular individual. Regardless, at this point I lean to something else having happened to him, whether foul play, accident, or self disappearance for whatever reason he may have.

 

[Warwick1991]

At this point, I wouldn’t rule out a crime or an accident, either. It is possible that Gelfand fell victim to a crime, such as assault, robbery or carjacking. An accident can happen anywhere. I hope there are cameras that might give clues to his whereabouts.

 

[Kristin Esq.]

It has been reported that his credit card has been used, but are there cameras in those locations? Have they been looked at?

 

[dotr]

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[Shamrock1]

According to Orthodox Jewish law, suicide is a sin and forbidden. It is believed that how/when we are born and how/when we die is in God's hands. However in cases of terminal illness, I believe assisted suicide may be acceptable. (I think it is acceptable for Reformed Judaism, not sure for the Orthodox)
If this poor man was (or is) Orthodox I'd think he wouldn't harm himself as it would go against his own beliefs and values.

Hard to say though regarding a particular individual. Regardless, at this point I lean to something else having happened to him, whether foul play, accident, or self disappearance for whatever reason he may have.

There’s a bit more to “suicide is forbidden” in Judaism. Chabad.org is a good starting point and obviously different sects with interpret the same texts in different ways. In general, there is a bit more consideration of coercive factors, like mental illness. It’s a good resource - biased, of course. JMO.

 

[Shamrock1]

It has been reported that his credit card has been used, but are there cameras in those locations? Have they been looked at?

I believe there is some camera footage - if you look at the whiteboard in the “command center” there seems to be times listed. I’ll attach a screenshot of what I mean - the link to the video is below. My screenshot appears to show entries based on hotel cameras - there may be other entries in other videos.

‘We will welcome him home’: Friends search for New Jersey man who went missing in New Orleans

 

[Texas Joe]

My brother and other volunteers were down in NO at the beginning of this week searching the area of the Mississippi River where he was last seen. The search is for recovery at this point as the authorities are fairly certain they are dealing with a drowning. They have still not found him.

 

[dotr]

My brother and other volunteers were down in NO at the beginning of this week searching the area of the Mississippi River where he was last seen. The search is for recovery at this point as the authorities are fairly certain they are dealing with a drowning. They have still not found him.

Welcome to Ws@ Texas Joe, thanks for the tidbit!

 

[Texas Joe]

My understanding is that Frum covers a variety of ultra-Orthodox sects. Lakewood NJ is a major hub of these sects. It’s a different world, with its own culture and sometimes even primary language. JMO.

"Frum" simply means he is an observant orthodox Jew.

 

[Kristin Esq.]

My brother and other volunteers were down in NO at the beginning of this week searching the area of the Mississippi River where he was last seen. The search is for recovery at this point as the authorities are fairly certain they are dealing with a drowning. They have still not found him.

I'm just wondering why they think it's a simple drowning and there hasn't been any foul play?

 

[bykerladi]

Bumping

 

[CHEL]

New Jersey man gone missing while on business trip to New Orleans

Article posted today but no new information.

 

[Kristin Esq.]

New Jersey man gone missing while on business trip to New Orleans

Article posted today but no new information.

A new picture from the article:

 

[meanmaryjean]

I'm curious what NOPD says more than anything. Is that credit card still in use?

 

[cenazoic]

I find it strange that the 8th Precinct doesn’t seem to have any public outreach about this.

His hometown press haven’t reported anything in 2+ weeks. The group that went to search are quiet. There was also very little reporting in NOLA at any point.

 

[AC's Grandma]

Has anyone seen the article of the woman who went missing the same day in NOLA? Missing woman case in N.O. may be tied to murder (klfy.com)
Loved ones of Becky Hendrix are frantic, desperate to find out where she may be.

Becky was reported missing to the New Orleans Police Department on January 6, she hasn’t been seen or heard from since. Becky’s mom says she’s a mother of two who would never go this long without talking to her son and daughter.

Could it just be a coincidence or something more? I don't think we've ever heard anything about the business or people he was there to meet with and what it was for. Maybe business was what he wanted others to believe?
JMO IMO MOO

 

[cenazoic]

I did see the Becky Hendrix story, but absent other info, there’s no reason to think they’re related.

I do find the differences in the press, family involvement here on WS, and 1st Precinct response vis a vis 8th Precinct/Michael Gelfand’s case striking through.