Grieving Son Recounts Father's Final Act of Saving Him in Terror Attack

Natanel Shokron, a 30-year-old father of six from the settlement of Eli Zahav, was laid to rest on Saturday night following the conclusion of Yom Kippur. He was killed in a shooting attack near the settlement of Neve Tzuf on the eve of the Jewish holiday. Family and friends eulogized Shokron as a devoted family man, a charitable individual, a scholar of Torah, and a father whose children were his entire world.

His wife, Merav, spoke of their nearly 18 years of marriage and the home they built together, emphasizing his deep respect for parents and his active involvement in his children's lives, from their studies to their emotions and activities. She stated, "The family was his entire world."

The most poignant moment of the funeral came during the eulogy of his eldest son, Yoav, who was with his father at the time of the attack. Yoav recounted how his father shouted for him to run as the terrorist approached, saving his life. "Dad, I want to say thank you. Thank you for being together. Thank you for the fact that the attack happened. When the terrorist arrived, you shouted to me to run, and I ran. Thank you very much. Thank you very much for saving my life," Yoav said, also expressing gratitude to God and asking forgiveness from his father for any past transgressions.

Shokron's daughters also shared memories, highlighting his commitment to honoring parents, observing tradition, and maintaining family unity. They recalled family customs, such as standing together under his tallit during the priestly blessing, and his love for organizing trips across Israel. His sister described him as a rare individual, a pillar of the family, and an "angel," noting his extensive reserve duty despite not being obligated, his intelligence, humility, and immense kindness.

Rabbi Gad Mekhta, rabbi of Eli Zahav, remembered Shokron as a man who lived his faith and tradition with modesty, serving as a cornerstone of the local Sephardic synagogue. He noted Shokron's warm handshake, broad smile, and the space he made for everyone. The family's roots were also highlighted, with his brother mentioning that Shokron's grandfather, Rabbi Yaakov Shokron, was murdered on the steps of a synagogue in Medea, Algeria, about 70 years prior, prompting his parents to immigrate to Israel. Head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, also spoke, emphasizing Shokron's final act of saving his son's life.

Natanel Shokron was shot while at the Ein Re'aya spring near Neve Tzuf with his son, preparing to immerse for Yom Kippur. He was critically wounded and later pronounced dead at Beilinson Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Merav, and their six children: Yoav, Talia, Yael, Tamar, Noa, and Or. Shokron studied at various yeshivas, served in the Paratroopers, studied at Bar-Ilan University, and worked as an information systems analyst. His wife, Dr. Merav Shokron, is a lecturer at Ariel University.