Father of Nova Massacre Victim Attacked in Acre Market

Natan Kuperwasser, father of Shani Kuperwasser who was murdered at the Nova music festival, was assaulted in the Old City of Acre market on Saturday. Kuperwasser was walking with his small dog when another dog allegedly attacked his pet. Two young men, reportedly brothers over 1.9 meters tall, intervened and allegedly attempted to sic their pit bull on Kuperwasser. Kuperwasser stated that verbal abuse preceded the physical assault, during which he was punched several times. He managed to escape and call the police, but claims the attackers pursued him and continued the assault. The incident lasted only a few minutes, but Kuperwasser described the atmosphere as threatening. Despite the attack, Kuperwasser did not require medical attention, opting instead to file a police report. Police quickly identified and arrested the two suspects, residents of Old Acre in their 20s, based on intelligence and surveillance footage. Their remand was extended until September 7. Kuperwasser expressed surprise at the speed of the investigation, noting the efficiency and technology used by the police. He requested that the attack not be viewed through a nationalistic lens, describing the perpetrators as "pure criminals." However, he hopes the punishment will reflect the potential severity of the attack, not just the outcome. His daughter, Shani Kuperwasser, 27, was killed by Hamas terrorists in a shelter near Re'im after leaving the Nova festival, where she had been with friends. She was a graduate of Unit 8200 and held a master's degree in economics.