An Orthodox man from Brooklyn, Nachum Yisrael Eber, was found murdered in Colombia, leaving behind a short marriage that had ended just weeks before his death. He was reportedly searching for love when he was killed.
His dismembered body was discovered in a chest of drawers abandoned on a street in Bogotá on Sunday.
Joseph Materon, who had become friends with Eber and assisted with translations, recounted how Eber met his 18-year-old wife before their brief relationship concluded in January.
Eber, 51, a member of the Hasidic community in Boro Park, had gone to South America seeking a bride after his first marriage ended five or six years ago. He had four children and two grandchildren from that marriage.
A close friend shared that Eber sought a new partner through matchmakers in both New York and Ukraine before making his way to Colombia.
The woman he married was motivated to visit Colombia because she knew that local rabbis helped people convert to Judaism, stemming from exiles of the Spanish Inquisition.
“He mentioned he was looking for someone to marry and eventually found her,” Materon explained.
In Barranquilla, Eber met a younger woman whom he thought was in her twenties. Materon noted that she often accompanied them on their outings, like trips for ice cream.
“They were a very religious couple, and he was quite healthy—no alcohol, no drugs,” he added.
After a wedding in Barranquilla, a celebratory dinner took place in Bogotá, but Eber’s new in-laws misled him about their daughter’s age. She was only 18 and felt the relationship was rushed.
“Eventually, she broke things off, saying she wasn’t ready for the commitment,” Materon recalled. He suggested to Eber that he return to New York to heal.
Despite this, Eber wanted to remain in Colombia, hoping to find another wife.
A friend from Brooklyn remarked how difficult it can be to live alone in their community where family is paramount.
Masseron observed that Eber seemed nervous during his stay and had encountered trouble in the past, such as being robbed. He had urged Eber not to wander around with valuables on display, warning him, “This isn’t New York.” Eber often spoke multiple languages, which may have drawn attention.
Friends described Eber as a loving father and grandfather, committed to his family. One friend highlighted how he cared for his sick father for an extended period during the pandemic, showcasing his character.
The last time Eber was seen alive was April 21, and his body was found shortly after that. Local authorities are currently investigating the case.
A friend remarked, “He came to Colombia searching for love, and that shattered his dreams.”
