Brother Recounts Terror Victim's Final Act of Heroism, Legacy of Unity

Netanel Shukrun, a 49-year-old father of six from Alei Zahav, was killed in a shooting attack near Neve Tzuf in the Binyamin region of Samaria on the eve of Yom Kippur. His brother, Yaakov (Jacko) Shukrun, spoke to i24NEWS about the attack and Netanel's character.

Netanel Shukrun and his eldest son, Yoav, were at a spring for a pre-Yom Kippur immersion when a terrorist opened fire as they returned to their car. According to Yaakov Shukrun, Netanel "with great presence of mind" told his son to "Get out, run, get out of the car." Yoav, a high school student, escaped unharmed and later thanked his father for saving his life during the funeral. Yaakov Shukrun believes Yoav's escape may have prevented further casualties, as the attacker pursued him, diverting attention from others near the spring.

The assailant, identified as 37-year-old Hamas member Qadri Samara, was apprehended by Duvdevan unit soldiers at a Ramallah hospital about three hours after the attack, after being wounded by a soldier's fire. Yaakov Shukrun stated that anyone attacking an Israeli citizen should be arrested, tried, and held fully responsible, emphasizing the importance of both deterrence and justice.

Yaakov Shukrun also shared family history, noting their grandfather was murdered in Algeria 70 years prior. Netanel, the youngest of seven, was named Yonatan in tribute to Yonatan Netanyahu. He described Netanel as a multifaceted individual who studied at a hesder yeshiva, served in the paratroopers, and earned a university degree. Netanel, who worked as an information systems analyst and was a reservist with hundreds of days of service, also had a passion for Jewish studies and technology, and was known for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

"His strength was in his calmness," Yaakov Shukrun said, highlighting Netanel's desire to unite "all components of our people." He recalled Netanel's efforts to find common ground between religious and secular Jews and to mediate disagreements, calling this his brother's "testament and his message."