Reb Yitzchak Beirach Daskal related:
On the sheloshim of the passing of my father, on Tzom Gedalyah 5765, I noticed an unfamiliar face in attendance at the hakamas matzeivah.
I was quite taken aback. Who was this person who had made the effort to come to the hakamas matzeivah, and was showing such obvious emotion?
“My name is Binyamin Kopmer,” he said, and began to share what was on his heart.
“I am a survivor of the Rafiach; I was on the ship with Mr. Daskal. We experienced the ship’s sinking together, as well as the miraculous rescue. I didn’t know Mr. Daskal on the ship, but at the first gathering for the survivors, I met him. When I needed help with something, I thought he might be the one to turn to.
“He virtually saved my life,” Mr. Kopmer exclaimed. “He helped me with everything I asked for, and much more. We became good friends; the story of the Rafiach connected us.”
Chessed Shel Emes
Mr. Kopmer continued:
One day, Mr. Daskal asked me, “Binyamin, baruch Hashem we have had the privilege of reaching Eretz Yisrael, but what about the eight people who perished and were buried on Syrna? Maybe we should go and bring them here?”
I thought he was being delusional. How will we get to the island? How will we find them? I wondered.
Mr. Daskal seemed to read my mind and continued. “Such an op-
