Son Credits Father for Saving His Life in Terror Attack at Funeral

Natanel (Nati) Shkaron, a 30-year-old father of six from the settlement of Eli Zahav, was laid to rest after being killed in a shooting attack near the settlement of Neve Tzuf on the eve of Yom Kippur. Shkaron was at the Ein Ra'aya spring with his eldest son, Yoav, when a terrorist entered and opened fire. Yoav recounted how his father urged him to run, saving his life.

During the funeral, Yoav delivered a moving eulogy, thanking his father for saving him. "Dad, I want to say thank you. Thank you for being together. Thank you for the fact that a terror attack happened. When a terrorist entered, you told me, not in a loud voice, you shouted, but you shouted at me and I ran. Thank you very much. Thank you very much for saving my life," Yoav said, his voice trembling.

Family members and friends remembered Shkaron as a devoted family man, a generous individual, and a scholar deeply committed to Torah and tradition. His wife, Merav, spoke of their nearly 18 years of marriage and the family they built, emphasizing his dedication to his children's education and emotional well-being. His daughters also shared memories, highlighting his commitment to family unity, tradition, and his love for Israel, recalling family trips he meticulously organized.

His sister described him as a rare person, a pillar of the family, and someone she admired. She noted his humility, intelligence, constant smile, and immense kindness, calling him "more than a brother, an angel."

Rabbi Gad Mekhta, rabbi of Eli Zahav, spoke of Shkaron's role in the community, particularly the Sephardic synagogue, describing him as a man who lived his faith and tradition with modesty. Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, also paid tribute, mentioning Shkaron's deep connection to tradition and the land of Israel, and reiterating how he saved his son's life in his final moments.

Shkaron, who studied at yeshivas, served in the Paratroopers, and worked as an information systems analyst, is survived by his wife, Merav, and their six children: Yoav, Talia, Yael, Tamar, Noa, and Orr. His family's roots trace back to Algeria, where his grandfather, Rabbi Yaakov Shkaron, was murdered at the entrance of a synagogue about 70 years ago, prompting his parents to immigrate to Israel.