Dearest Friends, Family & Kind People,

When sorrow enters a family, something sacred often happens:

God‑loving people — whether Jewish, Christian, or simply compassionate human beings — show up.

They show up to ease the pain of loss, to lift the weight of financial burdens, and to remind us that no one should walk through the grief alone.

For the sake of the orphans that are on special “roll” in Gods eyes and in the Name of The Lors, Our G-D, we humbly ask for your assistance, whether it is re sharing the post, saying something nice to comfort family, or even help with financial expenses related to the funeral will mean the world to surviving already small family. Unless you believe that 2-3 people without any other support or “connections”, recovering from illnesses can handle it all alone. 

There is NO LIFE INSURANCE OR ANY OTHER BENEFITS to help cover all these expenses. Alex & his surviving brothers are orphans, but they are not orphans where there is God

Our family is grieving the heartbreaking loss of our youngest and baby brother, Alex Mkrtychev, who was born December 27, 1992 in New York City he was called to heavens on December 17, 2025, in the hospital Seattle, WA — during the days of Hanukkah and just before Christmas, a season when families gather, light is celebrated, and miracles are remembered.

Instead of celebrating miracles of Hanukkah, Joy of Christmas or preparing for his 33rd birthday, we found ourselves preparing to say PAINFUL GOODBYE TO THE YOUNGEST SIBLING.

After a brief illness complicated by pulmonary fibrosis and a blood clot in his lungs, the sweetest and most gentle soul left this world far too soon when his tender heart stopped beating.

Alex was an autistic young man, gifted with a remarkable memory and a genius-level talent for math. He was pure-hearted, uplifting, and kind to everyone he met. If more hearts carried even half the goodness Alex carried, the world would shine much brighter. He was also an orphan, having lost both parents young — and so are his surviving brothers, Rafael and Roman.

These past few years brought overwhelming hardship to surviving family:

***Multiple Funerals Since 2020 which included Alex both parents, mama Vera was Alex main caretaker, grandma, brother in law, grand uncle & friends including in unprovoked attacks on Ukraine & Israel on 10/7/2023.***

• Rafael survived a life-threatening illness yet complications remained, plus he was injured during hurricane Helene 2024 & just recently entered employment in the area that has extremely tight window of open positions/jobs.

• I (Rafaels wife) was diagnosed with cancer & unable to help to lift financial burden.

***BOTH, RAFAEL & ROMAN ARE THE ONLY PROVIDERS IN THEIR FAMILIES.

• as if pain from loss not enough, Roman’s home in Seattle was damaged by flooding

• And now, during a season meant for light and hope, they must carry the full cost of burying the only little family they have left.

Alex is being laid to rest in New York, where his family, dear mommy included, are buried. Our Family forever grateful to the Chabad of New York for helping with transfer. However, funeral requires a lot of expenses which include last‑minute flights at extremely high prices, unpaid leave from work, and many other funeral expenses placed entirely on the brothers and the surviving aunt Elina, Alex adored. Everything is being paid on credit or advance or borrowed or in faith it will be paid.

No one should have to choose between putting bread on table for their children, paying bills and burying their brother — especially during a season when both Jewish and Christian families celebrate God’s light, compassion, and miracles.

We are humbly asking for help to cover:

• Travel for Rafael and Roman

• Funeral and burial costs & everything that it involves

• Their aunt’s related expenses

• Essential bills during unpaid leave

Every gift matters — whether $1 or $2,000.

Your compassion eases their burden and reminds them they are not alone.

May the Lord, Elohim, Our ABBA, Who comforts the brokenhearted bless you richly for your kindness, and may Alex’s memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

The world stands on three things: on Torah, on worship, and on acts of loving‑kindness.” — Pirkei Avot 1:2

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

We Thank Every Compassionate Person In Advance for Opening Their Hearts In Times That Should Be Joy, Happiness, Recovery but turned into Sorrow. For there is season for everything & Will of our Elohim, Into Whom Our Hopes Rest.

Entire Alex Immediate Surviving Family, aunt Elina, uncle Theo, cousin Sergey, great aunt Ada & their families…

When Heart Opens to an Orphant Lord Triples The Blessings to those who help for generations to come.

May This Season Be Filled With Love & Joy & those of you who who went through loss yourselves, may Creator, our G-D, comfort & ease your pain.

Rafael Meir & Family

Roman Mkrtychev & Family