Teen Survivor of Terror Attack Urges Action Beyond Retribution

Yoav Shkaron, a 16-year-old who survived a deadly terror attack last Friday, recounted the harrowing moments when his father, Natanel Shkaron, was murdered. During the shooting, Yoav received instructions from his father to flee. He described seeing the car windows shatter and later calling out to his father, who no longer responded. Natanel was evacuated with a pulse but later pronounced dead at the hospital. Yoav spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu, expressing that while retribution is necessary, it is insufficient. "I want to say that in my opinion, it is not enough to exact justice, but something must be done that will truly change the reality. It should have been done yesterday," Yoav stated.

Natanel Shkaron, a father of four, was killed near the Ein Ri'a spring in the Benjamin region hours before Yom Kippur. Hundreds attended his funeral in Eli Zahav. His brother, Jackie, remembered Natanel as a multifaceted individual involved in Torah, sports, and high-tech, who bridged divides and fostered unity. His wife, Merav, described him as deeply connected to tradition and prayer, emphasizing his devotion to honoring parents as a way to perpetuate his legacy. She recalled their strong bond and his meticulous planning for a family trip intended to strengthen their connection.

The investigation revealed the attacker, Qadri Samara, a 37-year-old Hamas operative, had been in the area the day before the attack. He allegedly opened fire on Natanel Shkaron's vehicle, exploiting the presence of people at the spring for ritual immersion before Yom Kippur. A tracker from the Benjamin Brigade responded, wounding the attacker and preventing further harm to Yoav. The wounded assailant fled to a clinic in Ramallah, where he was apprehended by Duvdevan unit soldiers. Initial findings suggest he acted alone.