Bochur Critically Injured in Fire Wakes up on the Rebbe’s Birthday

Joyous news for the global Chabad community: This morning, Merav Amar, mother of the bochur Shmuel Amar who was critically injured in the fire at the Crown Heights bochurim apartment about two months ago—reported that in a miraculous turn of events, on the 11th of Nissan, the Rebbe’s birthday, her son woke up, began to recover, became responsive, and was even taken off sedation.

As previously reported, about two months ago, seven Chabad bochurim were injured—two of them seriously—after a fire broke out in the yeshiva dormitory on Eastern Parkway, between Brooklyn and New York Avenues in Crown Heights, on a Friday morning.

The house served as part of the dormitory for students of the 770 Yeshiva. According to eyewitnesses, bochurim were seen escaping through the windows of the building. The house was completely destroyed by the fire, and the bochurim lost all of their belongings.

Bochur Shmuelik Amar noticed the fire too late and cried out for help until he collapsed. His condition was listed as very critical. His father, Rabbi Zohar Amar, flew to the U.S. and stayed at his son’s side in a New York hospital, traveling daily to daven at the Rebbe’s Ohel, pleading to Hashem for his son’s recovery.

About six weeks ago, Rabbi Zohar Amar shared an update on Shmuelik’s condition: “At the moment, his condition is critical. We need great mercy from Heaven. There are small improvements in some vitals, and we are all praying to Hashem to see miracles, G-d willing.” He added, “He is intubated and sedated, with very severe damage to his lungs. Right now, the medical goal is simply to keep him with us. Thank G-d, there is some optimism, but we need many tefillos (prayers).”

And now, Baruch Hashem, comes the good news of his recovery. Hoping for continued miracles and a speedy and complete refuah sheleima!