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In Memoriam

Lives lost to the terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023

In life and in death, Ram Shalom and Idan Dor remained inseparable. Just before Idan and Ram were tragically murdered at the Nova festival, Idan exhibited immense bravery by confronting the terrorist. Best friends and neighbors in Givat Ze'ev, Ram and Idam were buried side by side in the Be'at Shaul cemetery.

Norit, Ram's mother, last spoke to him at 8:08am on October 7, when he informed her that he was on his way home. After a few more days of silence, Ram’s family was informed of his death.

Ram and Idan attended Denmark High School in Jerusalem, and played soccer for Hapoel Katamon. Ram served in a paratrooper unit and they both were discharged at about the same time. Following their military service and a trip abroad, they both found employment at the airport authority.

Nurit expressed her sorrow, saying: "Just three days before the tragic massacre, Ram had returned to Israel after spending a month in the United States with his brother. He had expressed his desire to settle in the U.S. and was reluctant to return to Israel. I urged him to come back, promising to assist with arrangements. Reluctantly, he returned with me. Upon landing in Israel, I couldn't help but feel grateful that he had chosen to accompany me. Our bond was strong, and he always looked out for me."

Engaged to Maya Bitton, the two of them attended the Nova festival where they were both tragically murdered.

Little more than a month prior, during a vacation in Santorini, Eliran decided to propose to Maya after nearly six years of dating. The couple got engaged and began envisioning their dream wedding. "They shared an incredible bond, and we admired them," says Liam Mizrahi, Eliran's sister. "I looked up to their relationship, hoping to find something similar. Eliran was a beacon of light and joy, always wearing a big smile wherever he went. He had a remarkable ability to turn sorrow into happiness. He was not just an older brother to me – he was my partner, my best friend, my confidant, my closest advisor. Losing him feels like losing half of my heart."

Eliran and Maya both hid in a nearby dumpster but were eventually found by the terrorists. Eliran’s body was found on top of Maya’s in an attempt to shield her from the bullets.

Maya Bitton and Eliran Mizrahi, who became engaged a month prior and had their wedding date set, had their dreams shattered on October 7 when they were tragically murdered while attending the Nova festival. Maya and Eliran hid in a nearby dumpster but were eventually found by the terrorists. Eliran’s body was found on top of Maya’s in an attempt to shield her from the bullets.

In honor of their memory, Shir Zoertz, Maya's childhood friend, composed a heartfelt song. "This song embodies their essence," said the singer, who initiated the piece as a tribute to the couple now resting side by side. "We held a combined ceremony for them at the wedding location we had envisioned," added Maya's sister.

Shir and four of her friends were murdered while trying to escape the onslaught at the Nova festival. They managed to get a few miles away, but unfortunately they encountered a terrorist squad at the Mitvachim junction.

Her cousin, Gil, posted on Instagram, "She was the most beautiful girl in kindergarten, her smile lighting up the room. Her infectious laughter filled the air, bringing joy to all. We will forever cherish and honor her memory, spreading her light throughout the world."

Gabi, from Kiryat Malachi, was the partner of Karla Stelzer Mendes; both were murdered while attempting to escape attacking Hamas terrorists at the site of the Nova festival.

Gabi’s sister, Sharon Azulay, wrote on Facebook: “My dear brother, my beloved, I can’t believe it… murdered just for being Jewish.”

Two-and-a-half years ago, Azulay was seriously wounded in a tractor accident and was in a coma for a month before ultimately recovering. At the time, he wrote a post on Facebook thanking everyone for their support and prayers and thanking God “for the opportunity to live a second time — hopefully, this time will be calmer and without stress.” He also thanked “my love Karla, who always helped and supported me even in the moments when I was insufferable.”

Stelzer moved to Israel, to Kiryat Malachi, about 12 years ago with her young son, who is currently serving in the army. She and her partner, Gabi Azulay, were both murdered while attempting to escape attacking Hamas terrorists at the site of the Nova festival.

“The beautiful and beloved Karla, a fighter for freedom, it was a pleasure and a privilege to share with you thousands of experiences of joy around the world,” wrote her friend, Natali Kabesa, on Facebook.

Mey-Tal Menta Rahmin recalled Stelzer as someone with “a captivating personality, smiling, always ready to help.” Rahmin said that “from a place of love we would imitate her speaking broken Hebrew with a Brazilian accent… how much you would laugh and how much we loved you.”

Karla Stelzer Mendes

The beloved son of Yafa and Yaakov and a cherished brother to Moran, Einat, Tzachit, Eliyahu, Yitzhak, Avia, Avigail, and Racheli.

On Instagram his friends posted, “During the weekend of October 7, 2023, Or attended the "Nova" nature party with his friends – Ma’ayan, Mor, and Nissim Levi. Amidst the chaos of sirens and missile fire on Saturday morning, they hurriedly left the scene. Or reassured his family with a message that they were safe and heading back to Rehovot. He also comforted Ma’ayan's mother, ensuring her that they were being looked after and watched over by God." Tragically, all three of them fell victim to the terrorists. Or had a passion for motorcycles and cherished his dog. He deeply loved his family, friends, and siblings, and found joy in attending parties and showcasing his dancing skills.

His sister, Tzachit, expressed her profound grief: "My dear brother, the void you left behind is unbearable. Our home feels empty without your light. How do we move forward without you? Rest in peace, my beautiful angel, and watch over us from above."

Yitzhak, his brother, shared his heartfelt sentiments: "Each day, the pain of your absence grows stronger, shattering us anew. I believe you are in a better place, righteous in a way beyond our understanding. May you gaze upon us from above, proud of the love we carry for you. Your memory will live on in everything we do. I love you dearly, my brother. May your memory be a blessing."

Or Chaim Ben Hemo

Friends fondly remember Gil as a person of warmth and charm, characterized by his intelligence, humility, and wit. A dedicated sergeant in the paratroopers, he was murdered by Hamas terrorists while attending the Nova festival.

Born and bred in the heart of Israel, he embodied the spirit of his homeland – a place of beauty, diligence, and unwavering commitment to national security. He was laid to rest in Caesarea Cemetery, near his home.

Gil is survived by his loving parents and four siblings, leaving behind a legacy of courage and integrity.

Omri, from Ramat Gan, was murdered at the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re'im by Hamas terrorists. He had recently returned from a big trip overseas and went to celebrate at Nova.

'An amazing guy, a redhead with a redhead's character' his friends tell about him. Before his remains were identified, his family still had no information regarding his fate. His father Itzik, while being interviewed said "We are in the Holocaust," "We are in a system frenzy, hanging in the air. You don't know what's going on, you don't know how to behave, and you don't know how to live. He is not on the list of the wounded, he is not on the list of the kidnapped, so you no longer know what is. We are waiting for any video, any information, anything. We are between total denial, madness, and loss of temper."

"They departed around ten in the evening," recounted his father. "Around four in the morning, he exchanged messages with his brother. Then, at six thirty, when the alarms sounded, I reached out to him. I knew he was at the party, but I wasn't aware of the imminent danger. He responded at 06:54, informing me, 'Dad, there are alarms. We're heading to the car, but the police are directing us away.' A sense of unease gripped me, prompting another call at seven, urging him, 'Maybe it's best not to drive. Try to find a safe haven because the gunfire persists.' He replied, 'I can't. The police are urging us to vacate, and I can't stay.' Despite my concerns, he reassured me, saying, 'Everything is fine, father,' exuding a sense of calm, peace, and reassurance. Moments later, he conversed with his mother, and that marked the end of our exchange."

In a post on Instagram, Omri’s mother Sapir said the following: “Omri was passionate about playing and singing, often composing songs and writing lyrics. His dream was to pursue a career in music, and he recently fulfilled a milestone by recording one of his own songs. He was a deeply sensitive individual who embraced and respected everyone for who they were, devoid of judgment or prejudice. This inclusive nature earned him a diverse array of friends from various backgrounds and walks of life. What I admired most about Omri was his love for humanity and the respect he showed to all."

"He lived life on his own terms, unaffected by the opinions of others or the noise of the world around him. Though his path diverged from that of his peers, Omri remained steadfast in his pursuit of happiness. He made the courageous decision to forgo university studies in computer science, opting instead for a crash course in software development to pursue his desired career path. After completing his military service, Omri embarked on an adventurous journey to the East with a friend. During their travels, both mothers received a surprise invitation to join them in Vietnam. It was a joyous occasion for me as a mother, and our two-week journey together remains one of the most cherished experiences of my life.”

Eliyahu was a production assistant at the Nova festival, and was murdered there by Hamas terrorists.

He came from a very religious family but eventually left the community, a process called “Returning to the question”. In an interview at the shiva of her son, Eliyahu’s mother, Hadassah Bernstein said “"As a child attending the Belzer cheider, Eliyahu's teacher described him as an 'ilui' due to his love for Torah study. "I shared a special bond with Eliyahu, being his eldest child. How could I not? When he went missing, we immediately turned to prayer. When I broke the news to Eliyahu's younger siblings about their beloved older brother's martyrdom, they were devastated. "And seeing him with his long hair [referring to a photo], I felt an even deeper connection with him. It wasn't that I connected with him despite his appearance, but rather because of it. This was his true self. The more he embraced his authenticity, the more his greatness shone through. While Torah study and repentance are crucial, with Eliyahu, I felt he was already exceptional, inherently incredible. Even when I prayed for his return to religious observance, I couldn't help but acknowledge his numerous talents and his infectious smile with those prominent dimples. He was deeply connected to our home, to our family. That's a bond not to be underestimated."

Eliyahu Yaakov Bernstein

Her friends dedicated a post on Instagram - “Shoham was a radiant presence, capable of brightening any room with her unforgettable laughter and zest for life, particularly through her passion for dancing. Her vibrant spirit was truly exceptional."

"Accompanied by her partner and two close friends, Shoham attended the party that night, eager to celebrate life. However, tragedy struck just 30 minutes after their arrival when a Hamas assailant indiscriminately opened fire on the crowd. Despite their attempts to flee, Shoham and her friends did not survive the attack. Identifying the victims, including my dear friend Shoham, took over a week, prolonging the agony for her family who clung to hope that she had been merely kidnapped. The realization of her ultimate fate was devastating."

"I will forever hold dear memories of Shoham's warmth, courage, and zest for life. Her untimely and tragic death at the hands of such violence is deeply heart-wrenching. Shoham will always hold a special place in our hearts. May her memory be a source of blessing."

"Shoham hailed from Beit Shean, where she embraced her love for nature, hiking in the mountains, and swimming in the springs. Her adventurous spirit took her across the globe, where she lived life to the fullest. Everything she did was infused with love and care, and her energy was truly extraordinary. We will dearly miss her and the impact she had on our lives.”

Shoham Lia Turgeman

The Children's Channel expressed its condolences and shared in the grief with Liel Weinstein's family upon receiving news of her tragic death at the Nova festival.

Liel, a cherished and prominent contestant on the "Boys and Girls" program, was remembered fondly by the Children's Channel. They wished for peace and safety for all, extending their support to the people of Israel during this difficult time. On October 7th, Liel Weinstein's father, Michael, took to Facebook with a post expressing concern about her whereabouts. He shared that Liel had been at the party and had last spoken to him at 7:30 in the morning, mentioning she was in a shelter or detention center. Since then, there had been no further communication from her, causing heightened worry and uncertainty for her safety. A few days later her body was identified and her family informed.

Naama, from Sheda Nahum, was missing for approximately 24 hours before the devastating news reached her family. She unexpectedly joined her family for the holiday of Sukkot, persuaded by her cousin. After the holiday dinner, Naama made plans to attend the party. That was the last time Naama’s family saw her.

Rachel, Naama's mother, recounted the challenging day and the moment they received the heartbreaking confirmation that Naama had been shot by terrorists. Rachel described Naama as a unique individual who effortlessly balanced various aspects of life. In her room, Rachel discovered numerous quotes Naama had penned, including "To devour life in big bites because life is now," reflecting Naama's zest for life.

Naama was also a dedicated lawyer who had graduated from law school and established her own legal services business. She seamlessly combined professionalism with enjoyment.

Matan Mordechai Lior, from Kfar Saba, was the music and amplification technician at the Nova festival. Matan also made sure to stay last (or almost last) to speak to everyone and direct them to evacuate the plaza. His family said: "Last Friday, Matan came to work at the Supernova Festival - a music festival that is full of love, youthful joy and peace - a festival that, as we all know, turned in a matter of hours from a place full of love and hope into a scene of merciless murder and massacre.” "If there is something that symbolizes our giving more than anything, it is the values that the festival represents. Anyone who knew Matan even for a moment knew that his whole heart was filled only with giving, kindness, human love and a desire to help everyone around him. The amount of love and kindness that Matan spreads in every moment. In his life they are vast and the number of hearts he reached is endless and all with his beautiful smile that lights up the room with his eyes that radiate kindness and human love.”

Dror, from Beit Alfa, worked in preparing the scenery for the stages at the festival and contact with him was cut off on Saturday morning until his family received the difficult news of his murder.

His father spoke fondly of him: "Dror, along with his business' partner, established a business that channeled his passion for parties, and it was he who crafted the scenery for this particular event. He was a cherished son, whose unconditional love touched the hearts of many who knew him. In recent days, I've come to realize just how profound and far-reaching his love was, and the extent of his influence on others. He had a generous heart, and it's truly heartwarming to discover this through the stories his friends continue to share."

Anton died while trying to save many others when Hamas terrorists attacked the Nova festival site. He managed to get out of the festival area in the Re'im parking lot, and also rescued his partner from the place. But then Anton insisted on going back inside and rescuing a good friend. He asked his girlfriend to wait for him, went back in and was no longer able to get out.

Anton was a very well-known figure in the city of Tzfat where he lived. His friend Itzik Hadad eulogized him: "Anton was a happy man. He always smiled, loved life, loved music and joy. This is a great loss for everyone. His very desire to go back inside and save people - this is the proof of how special a man he was." Anton left behind a 6-year-old girl. May his memory be blessed.”

The festival tragically transformed into a scene of carnage on the morning of October 7th when terrorists breached the perimeter fence and arrived on the scene, unleashing indiscriminate gunfire. Sadly, it is likely that Sophia met her demise during this chaotic stage. For approximately three agonizing days, she was listed as missing until her body was identified.

Sophia, who attended Ort Psagot school in Karmiel, was the daughter of Anna Woldislav. Among the eight Karmelites who were missing since the onset of the terrorist attack, she is the first to have her fate confirmed—a bitter and heartbreaking realization. The Karmiel municipality expressed profound sadness and condolences, stating, "The municipality of Karmiel announces with deep sorrow and grief that our beloved resident, Sophia Bongert, was senselessly murdered by terrorists on Saturday. During these challenging times, our hearts are with the grieving family, and we pray that they find solace amidst their immense loss. The Karmiel municipality will continue to stand by the family, offering support and assistance."

Ron attended the Nova festival with several friends. One of his surviving friends, Simon Tov, spoke with the media. "I arrived at the party in the dead of night, accompanied by my dear friends Ron Weinberg and Tamir Leshatz. We had a blast, dancing until the early hours of the morning. Then, at 6:29 AM, the first rocket attack shook us, forcing us to seek shelter on the floor. Explosions reverberated all around, prompting us to hastily gather our belongings and flee to our car. I took the front seat, Tamir assumed the role of driver, and Ron settled in the back," recounted Siman Tov. The exit route was crowded with people, and the road to the north was impassable, so we opted to head south. However, after approximately ten minutes of driving, realizing that no one was following us, we made a spontaneous decision to turn back and head north. Moments later, we encountered a police officer who warned us of approaching terrorists. Within seconds, gunfire erupted in our direction." Siman Tov and his friends swiftly executed another U-turn and began heading south once more. Unfortunately, just a few meters away, a terrorist group lay in wait in the middle of the road, armed and ready. "There were roughly eight motorcycles, two ATVs, and a van equipped with a submachine gun. They unleashed a barrage of bullets in our direction. Tragically, one of those bullets struck Ron, ending his life. At that moment, we found ourselves crouched in the car, praying fervently for our survival," Simon Tov added.

Eventually Simon played dead in a nearby field until the fighting subsided and he was able to seek medical attention. He added, “Ron was one of my best friends and we will never forget him.”

Rinat was murdered alongside her friend Tiferet Lapidot at the Nova festival on October 7. Her body was not found until October 13, and she was buried in Kfar Etzion that day.

One of her friends on Instagram posted, “With sparkling eyes, a mane of curls and a pure voice, "Raini" was a beacon in the world. We are also told about her that every time she sang - a voice erupted that shook the soul, and Raini never stopped singing.”

A dedication to her was created on Ynet where one of her friends said, “Rini was simply a light, no matter where you know her from and in what situation, she always made everyone around her smile and laugh. For a moment she did not hurt, and always with great sensitivity! Our class had a crazy atmosphere thanks to her. She was our leader and we were all just captivated by her tremendous charm! We were privileged to spend these years together in the studio. An opportunity to tell you the family - thank you! About Rini, who thanks to you became who she was. A huge light in the world! We will continue her way forever!

Rinat Hodia Zagdon

The body of Doron Boldes from Magen Hashamron, who had been missing for nearly a week after the attack, was identified on October 11th. At first his friends and family thought that Doron was kidnapped to the Gaza Strip, but it became clear that he was murdered in the terrorist ambush by Hamas.

Doron's friends and family believed at the beginning of the week that they recognized him in one of the videos that were circulated in which hostages were seen in a car on their way to Gaza. The hope was that Doron remained alive and survived the murderous attack.

Tehila, his best friend from the Dubi farm in Ramot Menashe where Doron was the chef, worked tirelessly together with Doron's friends and family to find a clue as to his fate. Upon learning of the terrible news, she wrote: "The hardest words I have written, our beloved Doron is such a dear person to us. The comfort of thinking that you were kidnapped was probably the worst in this reality. Maybe they imagined you in the van. Maybe you really were there but not long enough to get to where you came from. We thought that you could still be rescued. And now we received the news that created this big hole for us. I've been sitting in the office for two days and I see you in front of us lighting another cigarette and telling me 'today we are a rocket'. Every event repeats this sentence of yours to say that you are ready. You were always ready. Only not this time. Our hearts are broken. Can't talk about you like you're not here."

An athlete within Israel's lacrosse community, Mor Cohen tragically lost his life during the terrorist ambush at the Nova music festival on October 7.

Cohen, a native-born Israeli, played a pivotal role in establishing the lacrosse team in Tel Aviv and promoting coexistence through the sport. The Israel Lacrosse Association described him as "a remarkable young man" who left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. Coach David Dennenberg recalled Cohen's, “infectious smile on the field and his pioneering spirit within the Israeli lacrosse community. Cohen's life was unjustly cut short by senseless violence, leaving his family and teammates devastated.”

In 2016, Cohen represented Israel's U19 national lacrosse team, and he also competed for South Jersey in the 2014 Maccabiah Games. Both USA Lacrosse and the Premier Lacrosse League expressed their support for Israel during this challenging time, mentioning Cohen by name and offering condolences to the Israel Lacrosse community.

Ranani, a 23-year-old former Golani Brigades soldier, was born in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, and relocated to Israel at the age of 16. Recognized among his peers for his passion for rave parties and dreams of becoming a DJ, Glazer attended the Nova festival near Kibbutz Be’eri with his girlfriend, Rafaela Treistman, when the event was ambushed by Hamas terrorists.

Just days before his 24th birthday, Glazer managed to upload two videos on Instagram during the assault. In one clip, he briefly displayed the bunker where their group sought refuge, calmly remarking, "A war has broken out in Israel," his demeanor a stark contrast to the turmoil unfolding outside. Surrounded by unidentified individuals, he reassured, "At least we're safe in a bunker now." In a heart-wrenching interview after the attack, Treistman, also born in Brazil, recounted the chaos, recalling a moment when Glazer was by her side and then suddenly disappeared. The group remained in the bunker for approximately three hours until it was hit by a bomb.

Glazer's funeral, held in Haifa on October 11th, was marked by an overwhelming display of sorrow and tributes.

Bar, also known as Syloopo on stage, was a talented DJ who graced the stage at Nova. He was thrilled to see the largest audience he had ever performed for and was elated to share the lineup with artists he admired.

Following his set, he stayed to revel in the performances of other artists. Bar had a passion for various trance music genres, including Dark, Hightech, and Forest. Tragically, he was murdered by Hamas terrorists when they invaded the area early on October 7th.

Outside of his musical endeavors, Bar resided in Katzir with his partner, Yaara, and their newborn son. Additionally, he was a devoted father to an 8-year-old daughter.

Oral tragically lost his life at the Nova festival on October 7th. He was working as a bar manager at the festival when Hamas terrorists attacked, murdering him and over 250 others at that location.

Abuhchira was born and raised in Tirat Carmel until the age of 12, after which he relocated to Rosh Ha'Ayin to live with his mother. Mayor Aryeh Tal of Tirat Carmel paid tribute to him on Facebook, expressing profound sadness over his passing. "It is with immense sorrow that we bid farewell to Oral Abuhchira, who was senselessly murdered by terrorists at the nature party in Kibbutz Re'im, where he served as the bar manager. Oral was born and raised in Tirat Carmel, attended Zebulon Elementary School, and later moved with his mother to reside in Rosh Ha'Ayin. My heartfelt condolences go out to his parents and family during this difficult time."

A cousin of Oral's mother, Rafi Mizrahi, relayed that Oral always liked to help, and was unable to tell him when it was impossible to help: "I've known him since he was born. His father called and told me that they had a child. I helped raise him. When Oral was 12 years old, they moved to Rosh Ha'Ayin. He was a disciplined and quiet guy. When my mother died, he immediately came. Everything they asked for he would make."

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