David Szlak

Peacefully, after a courageous battle, on Friday, the 21st of November 2025, David Szlak passed away in Jerusalem, Israel, surrounded by his family.

Son of Holocaust Survivors, the late Piri (Perla) and Leon, beloved husband of Shoshana Szlak.  Father and father-in-law of Yair and Essie, Eitan and Nicole, Michal and Eliran, Liran and Gal, Israel and Ella.  Loving Sabba to Jonah, Emma, Mila, Shai, Ella, Yuval, Ofek, Arbel, Shalev, Abigail and Alon.

Born in Bolivia in 1946, David spent his early years growing up in Sao Paolo, Brazil.  At the age of 18, he made Aliya, leaving his parents and sister in Sao Paolo.  Serving as a Paratrooper, David defended Israel in the Six-Day War; the Yom Kippur War; and the First Lebanon War.  In 1975, he was recruited by the State to go back to Brazil to track down and identify Nazi perpetrators.  He travelled to Brazil to carry out that mission with his first wife, Renee Kunz and newly born infant son, Yair, and they returned to Israel after the mission’s completion.

David was a modest and humble man.  He was a proud Jew, a staunch Zionist and a true hero of the State of Israel.

Funeral will take place in Ma’ale Adomin, Israel.

Shiva will be held at the home of Yair Szlak & Essie Vineberg, commencing on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025. Shiva Hours Tuesday to Thursday will be 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Contributions in his memory can be made to Federation CJA’s Israel Emergency Fund (514) 345-2645 ext. 2600 or click here.

May David’s memory be for a blessing, and may his loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.