Yael Bar Zohar Shares Pain Over Nephew's Death in Nova Massacre

Israeli presenter Yael Bar Zohar is sharing her personal grief over the loss of her nephew, Eli Baram, who was killed in the Nova music festival massacre on October 7. In a new documentary airing on Reshet 13, Bar Zohar describes the profound emptiness left by his death, stating, "It's like a piece of my heart, my family, and myself was torn out." The documentary, "American Sabras," focuses on Israelis living in the U.S. and their experiences with the realities of Israel from afar.

Bar Zohar, a central figure in the film, chose to share her story about her nephew, who was 27 when he died. She uses the metaphor of a Star of David puzzle with a missing piece to convey her sense of loss. She emphasized that this pain is shared by many Israeli families who have suffered similar losses. Her close relationship with Eli made his death particularly impactful, describing it as a physical pain.

Eli Baram, a youth counselor, was known for his unique worldview, advocating for mindfulness and breathing exercises. His aunt recalled him often reminding family and friends to "not forget to breathe." Bar Zohar connects Eli's message to the challenges faced by young Israelis abroad, who sometimes encounter antisemitism or betrayal from friends due to their identity.

Excerpts from Eli's writings, shared by Bar Zohar, reveal his optimistic outlook and gratitude for life, his family, and his personal growth. He wrote about appreciating his courage, his continuous effort to improve, his ability to see good in everything and everyone, and his connection to nature. These pre-tragedy writings now serve as a testament to his character.

Yael Bar Zohar and her husband, Guy Zuarz, who is Eli's uncle, have previously expressed their deep longing for him. A song titled "Through Heartbreak," with lyrics drawn from Eli's journals, was released in his memory before Israel's Memorial Day. The documentary "American Sabras" will feature Bar Zohar's story and Eli's enduring message to "not forget to breathe," even in the most difficult times.