Remembering Those Killed by Iranian Missile Strikes in Israel
On Sunday afternoon, a ballistic missile fired from Iran tore through a residential neighborhood in Beit Shemesh, destroying a synagogue and collapsing the public bomb shelter beneath it. Nine people were killed. More than 40 were injured.
Ronit and Sara Elimelech
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Ronit and Sara Elimelech
Ronit Elimelech, 45, a volunteer medic with United Hatzalah, joining the life-saving organization after her 11-year-old son Itamar asked her to volunteer as his birthday gift. Her medical gear was found under the rubble.
“Ronit joined United Hatzalah after her young son asked her to volunteer as his birthday gift,” United Hatzalah President Eli Beer wrote on X. “I met them personally, and they hold a very special place in our hearts. Itamar was so proud of his mother.”
Ronit had been visiting her parents in Beit Shemesh on Saturday with her three children when the sirens sounded. She took them into the public shelter beneath the neighborhood synagogue.
She was killed alongside her mother, Sara Elimelech. Two of Ronit’s children were pulled from the rubble and taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem with light to moderate injuries. A third child was found unharmed.
Yaakov, Avigail and Sara Biton
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Yaakov, Avigail and Sara Biton
Three siblings were killed together. Yaakov Biton was 16. Avigail was 15. Sara was 13.
Bruria and Yosef Cohen
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Bruria and Yosef Cohen
Bruria Cohen was killed alongside her adult son Yosef. According to a local Beit Shemesh news site, Yosef was known in the community for his dedication to his mother. He was laid to his eternal rest on Monday- the same day his son turned 13 and was meant to celebrate his bar mitzvah.
Oren Katz
Oren Katz is survived by his wife, children, and a brother. He was buried on Monday.
At his funeral, his son Yosef eulogized him. “You were always a special person who cared for everyone, not only yourself,” Yosef said. “Yesterday you came home in the middle of the workday so we’d have something to eat for lunch. I’m glad I had the privilege to eat your food for the last time. You told us we were your reason for living.”
Gavriel Revach
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Gavriel Revach
Gavriel Revach was 16 years old. In a tragic twist of fate, his father had previously donated funds to and been involved in building the very synagogue destroyed in the same missile strike that killed his son.
Mary Anne Velasquez de Vera
The first person killed during the renewed fighting with Iran was identified as 32-year-old Philippine national Mary Anne Velasquez de Vera. She was a caregiver who lived with her patient and was killed while assisting her patient head to safety on Saturday afternoon.
May their memories be a blessing.
