A former JFS student was killed in a car accident in Israel yesterday.

Nadav Ezra, who served as a sergeant in the Israel Defence Forces after making aliyah with his family, was reportedly hit by a vehicle at a busy junction in Modi'in.

According to Israeli news sources, Sergeant Ezra, 21, was treated by Magen David Adom and Hatzalah medics. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are said to be investigating the incident.

Sergeant Ezra lived in north-west London and attended JFS, the largest Jewish school in Europe, before making aliyah with his three siblings and parents in 2007.

He’s the grandson of the Rabbi Maurice Michaels, of Bournemouth Reform Synagogue and part of the rabbinic team at Alyth. Rabbi Michaels is vice-president of the Movement for Reform Judaism.

Sergeant Ezra lived in Maccabim-Re-Ut and attended the Yachad High School before joining the army.

His friend Avi Myers, 23, from Essex, said: “He was a good friend, he was an all round great guy.

“Whenever I went to Israel with my friends or family he would always come and meet us in Tel Aviv in uniform.

“He moved with his family and joined the army there. I know he lived for the army, he absolutely loved it. He stayed on after his compulsory service.”

JFS headteacher Jonathan Miller said: "It was a dreadful shock to learn the tragic news of Nadav’s fatal car accident. Many staff recall Nadav and relatives of the family still attend the school.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time."

Thousands of mourners attended his funeral at the Ben Shemen military cemetery where a three-gun salute was fired in tribute.