Father of Six Killed in Terror Attack Before Yom Kippur Buried

Hundreds gathered at the Bnei Brak cemetery late Monday night to mourn the loss of Natanel (Nati) Sharon, who was murdered in a Palestinian terror attack just hours before Yom Kippur.

Sharon, a father of six, was killed at the Ein Ri'a spring in the Benjamin region. He had gone to immerse himself in the water before the holy day. His 16-year-old son, Yoav, who accompanied him, survived the attack after his father identified the assailant and shouted a warning, enabling Yoav to escape.

The attacker opened fire from a passing vehicle at individuals bathing in the spring, killing Sharon instantly. During the funeral, Yoav tearfully recounted the final moments, thanking his father for saving his life and apologizing for any perceived wrongdoing. His daughter, Talia, also spoke, describing how her life changed upon hearing about the attack at the spring where her father and brother had been.

Sharon's wife, Merav, remembered him as a devoted family man who was meticulous about honoring his parents. She recounted how he had convinced their children to join him for the pre-Yom Kippur immersion, intending to return home for a festive meal and prayers. His sister, Ruti Cohen, eulogized him as the beloved youngest son, a source of pride and joy to their parents.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan praised Sharon's devotion and sacrifice, noting that he died for being a proud Jew. He highlighted Sharon's heroic act of saving his son's life in his final moments.

The assailant, Qadri Samara, was apprehended in Ramallah. An Israeli soldier in a protected vehicle spotted the shooting and returned fire, hitting the suspect and preventing further casualties. Sharon's body was recovered, and the wounded terrorist was later located and arrested by Israeli forces in a Ramallah clinic.