Israeli Father Killed in Terror Attack Buried Near His Home

Hundreds of mourners gathered late last night at the cemetery in Eli Zahav for the funeral of Natanel Shkaron, who was murdered hours before Yom Kippur at the Ein Ri'ah spring in the Benjamin region. Among the attendees were senior military officials, including the head of the Central Command, Major General Avi Blott, and the commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, Brigadier General Kobi Heller. Shkaron, a high-tech worker and information systems analyst, is survived by his wife, Merav, and their six children. His eldest son, who was with him at the spring, narrowly escaped the attack thanks to his father's actions.

During the funeral, Shkaron's son Yoav recounted the moments of the attack, expressing gratitude to his father for saving his life. "Dad, I want to say thank you for 16 years together. Thank you for shouting to me when the terrorist entered. I don't remember what you told me, and I ran. Thank you for giving me life," Yoav said, adding that he wanted to ask his father's forgiveness for anything he might have done that offended him.

His daughter, Talia, described the agonizing hours after learning the attack occurred at the spring where her father was. She recalled her father asking her to join him, an invitation she declined, and her subsequent inability to reach her parents, which led to the devastating realization. She expressed how much he would be missed, especially during the Yom Kippur prayers.

Shkaron's wife, Merav, eulogized him, noting his support and how he helped her prepare for presentations. She spoke of their different backgrounds but their connection as soulmates. Head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, also eulogized Shkaron, stating he was killed for being a proud Jew and highlighting his act of saving his son's life in his final moments. Dagan praised Yoav as a true hero and a proud father.