Grieving Family Honors Slain Father Who Saved Son in Terror Attack

Hundreds gathered at the cemetery in Eli Zahav late Tuesday night to mourn Natanel Shkaron, who was murdered in a terror attack at the Ein Ri'a spring in the Benjamin region just hours before Yom Kippur.

Shkaron, a 48-year-old high-tech analyst, is survived by his wife Merav and six children. His eldest son, Yoav, a 16-year-old who was with him during the attack, recounted how his father shouted a warning as the terrorist approached, allowing Yoav to escape. "Dad, I want to say thank you for 16 years together. Thank you for warning me when the terrorist entered. Thank you for giving me life," Yoav said tearfully at his father's grave during the traditional "kriah" ritual, where family members tear their clothing.

His daughter, Talia, expressed regret for not joining her father at the spring, saying, "Yesterday you told me to come with you to the spring, and I preferred to stay home. At 11:36 AM I heard from one of the channels that there was an attack at the spring near Neve Tzuf. From that moment our lives changed." Merav Shkaron spoke of her husband's devotion and their shared life, noting his meticulous preparation for her public speaking engagements and his deep commitment to family. She recalled his final moments, when he urged their son to flee.

Natanel's sister, Ruti Cohen, described him as the beloved youngest son, a gift to their parents. Another sister, Miri Shkaron, shared a story of their mother's difficult pregnancy with Natanel. Nati Malkieli, Shkaron's battalion commander, pledged to support Merav and continue Natanel's legacy. Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan eulogized Shkaron as a proud Jew who died after a ritual immersion, saving his son's life in his final moments.

Shkaron and his son were at the spring for a pre-Yom Kippur immersion when a Hamas operative, Qadri Samara, opened fire. Shkaron was killed, but his son was unharmed. A tracker from the Benjamin Brigade responded to the gunfire, wounding the terrorist and preventing further casualties. The terrorist was later apprehended by Duvdevan special forces at a clinic in Ramallah. Initial investigations suggest he acted alone.