Slain Father of Six Warned Son of Terrorist in Final Moments

Natanel Shkaron, a 48-year-old father of six, was buried Tuesday night in the Ali Zahav cemetery, days after being murdered in a terrorist attack at the Ein Ri'a spring on the eve of Yom Kippur. Shkaron had arrived at the spring with his 16-year-old son, Yoav, to immerse before the Jewish holiday. After they immersed and returned to their vehicle, a terrorist opened fire on them. Natanel was killed, but Yoav was unharmed.

A tracker from the Benjamin Brigade who was in the area in an armored vehicle responded by shooting and wounding the terrorist, preventing further casualties. Shkaron's wife, Merav, eulogized him, describing him as a devoted family man. She recounted his final moments, stating that he warned Yoav about the approaching terrorist. "In the last second, he warned Yoav. Thank you, Nati, for your bravery and for seeing Yoav," she said.

Merav also shared details about their planned family trip abroad next week, which Natanel had meticulously planned to strengthen their family bond. She described him as the "most involved father in the world," always prioritizing family and honoring parents.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan also eulogized Shkaron, relaying Yoav's account of his father's final words: "Terrorist, run! Yoav." Dagan praised Yoav as a hero for listening to his father, which likely saved his life and potentially others. Dagan called on the government to respond to the attack with significant military action in the area, including restoring security checkpoints and collecting weapons, to "dry up the swamp" of terrorism.

Natanel Shkaron worked as an information systems analyst at "Hachshara Insurance Company." His wife, Merav, is a computer science doctor and a lecturer in artificial intelligence at Ariel University. The family is long-established in the community of Ali Zahav.