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By: Ariella Haviv
In a devastating turn of events, Rachel Aliza Nisanov, a beloved 13-year-old daughter of the respected Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov of Queens, tragically lost her life Tuesday afternoon in a jetski accident on the Intracoastal Waterway. Her 16-year-old sister, Aviva Bracha Nisanov, remains in critical condition. The heartbreaking incident has sent ripples of grief through the Jewish community, with the family seeking privacy as they endure this unfathomable loss, as was reported by VIN News on Tuesday.
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According to the information provided in the VIN News report, the sisters were riding a personal watercraft near the 2800 block of Northeast 24th Court—close to the bridges at Oakland Park and Sunrise Boulevard—just after 3:30 p.m. when the jetski struck a dock. Both children sustained severe trauma and were rushed to Broward Health Medical Center. While Rachel Aliza succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival, Aviva Bracha remains hospitalized with life-threatening wounds.
Emergency personnel from Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded swiftly, and local law enforcement apprehended the situation promptly. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has launched a formal investigation into the crash’s circumstances, exploring whether mechanical failure, operator error, or conditions at the scene contributed.
The VIN News report underscored the weight of the family’s standing in Queens. Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov and Rebbetzin Ora Nisanov are esteemed figures in the local Jewish community, known for their years of dedication to charitable work and leadership. The tragedy has resonated far beyond their own neighborhood, prompting an outpouring of sympathy and prayers across congregations and institutions deeply connected to their work.
Both sisters were students at Bnos Malka, a day school in Queens, and their friends, classmates, and teachers have been left reeling. According to the VIN News report, memorials and prayers have already begun to convene at the school and surrounding communities.
Law enforcement officials from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission emphasized that while the cause of the accident remains unclear, a full and transparent investigation is underway. Authorities have confirmed that only one watercraft was involved in the collision, and the scene is being carefully examined for evidence. The report at VIN News noted the family’s request for privacy has been fully respected during this time.
Within hours, community leaders began organizing memorials and prayer gatherings. Rabbi Mark Rosenberg, Director of CSE Florida and Law Enforcement Chief Chaplain, reportedly acted swiftly to ensure appropriate kavod hames—honoring the deceased in accordance with Jewish tradition—would be facilitated in Florida. The VIN News report highlighted this mobilization as a reminder of the strength and unity within Jewish communities at times of crisis.
Messages of condolence have poured in from around the globe, with calls for refuah shleima—a full recovery—for Aviva Bracha. Many have shared heartfelt sentiments on social media and in person, expressing collective grief for a family that is very much esteemed.
While VIN News conveyed the basic facts of the incident with sensitivity and clarity, the deeper sorrow lies in the disruption of young lives and the weight such a tragedy places on a spiritually bonded community. The Nisanovs’ daughters represented more than family—they were symbols of continuity and hope within a legacy of care. The loss of Rachel Aliza is deeply felt, as is the wisdom of her sister Aviva Bracha’s strength as she fights for healing.
VIN News captured this mournful moment with both attention and compassion. The tragic jetski accident that claimed Rachel Aliza Nisanov’s life and critically injured her sister Aviva Bracha has deeply affected the Queens Jewish community and beyond. As investigations continue and the family seeks solace in privacy and prayer, one constant remains—the outpouring of hesed (kindness) that is emerging from across congregations, leaders, and friends who mourn this devastating loss together.
May the memory of Rachel Aliza be for a blessing, and may Aviva Bracha merit a full and speedy recovery.