Son Recounts Father's Final Moments During Terror Attack

Yoav Shukron, the 16-year-old son of Natanel Shukron, who was killed in a shooting attack in the Benjamin region on the eve of Yom Kippur, shared his harrowing experience in an interview. He recounted how his father, Natanel, shielded him during the attack near the Ein Ri'a spring, shouting "Run!" and saving his life.

Yoav described arriving at the spring to immerse himself before Yom Kippur, then returning to their car. As they were getting settled, his father suddenly alerted him to the attacker. "I turned my head and saw the terrorist literally shooting my father," Yoav stated. He managed to escape the vehicle while the gunman continued firing, seeking refuge in bushes across the road until soldiers arrived.

Upon returning to the car after the soldiers engaged the attacker, Yoav found his father deceased. He noted that other visitors at the spring were unaware of the unfolding tragedy. The family observed Yom Kippur under the shadow of their loss, with Yoav reflecting on the profound meaning of the Day of Judgment.

Natanel Shukron, a 48-year-old father of six from the settlement of Ali Zahav in the Samaria region, was buried there. During the funeral, Yoav thanked his father for his final words and for saving him. His widow, Merav, a computer science doctor and lecturer, praised Natanel's heroism in protecting their son. Military officials and local leaders also attended the funeral, with the commander of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Blott, and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, commending Yoav's bravery and his father's sacrifice.

The family revealed that Natanel's grandfather, a district rabbi in Algeria, was murdered at a synagogue entrance approximately 70 years ago. Natanel Shukron worked as an information systems analyst and is survived by his wife and six children.