Brother's Sacrifice Remembered: Community Plans Synagogue in His Memory

Miri Shakron, sister of the late Natanel Shakron, shared her grief and memories in an interview with Arutz 7, detailing her brother's deep love for Torah, the Land of Israel, and his family. Natanel, a founder of the Sephardic prayer quorum in the Ali Zahav settlement, was remembered for his hundreds of days of reserve duty and the donation of his corneas after his death.

Miri described the profound sorrow that enveloped Ali Zahav following Natanel's passing, particularly on the first Yom Kippur without him. She recounted the immense public support, with thousands attending his funeral and remaining at the cemetery until the early morning hours. A resident's poignant message captured the mood: "Usually on Saturday nights after Yom Kippur, you hear the hammering of sukkah construction, but no sukkah was built in Ali Zahav. The only sound is the shattering of hearts."

Natanel was a pillar of the community, leading High Holiday prayers and deeply involved in religious study. His sister emphasized his commitment to "the Torah of Israel, the people of Israel, and the Land of Israel," highlighting his dedication to educating his six children about the land through frequent trips. He was also known for his ability to connect people with humility and a warm smile.

Following his death, Natanel's corneas were donated, a gift of his "good eyes" to another. Despite being a father of six and past the age for extended service, he consistently reported for reserve duty, driven by a sense of duty to the nation. His sister stated, "Wherever the people of Israel needed him, he was there."

In the wake of his death, the community is working to fulfill Natanel's dream of establishing a permanent Sephardic synagogue in Ali Zahav. The current prayer space is small and inadequate. The planned synagogue, to be named in his memory, aims to embody his values of inclusivity, connecting hearts, and fostering a sense of belonging for all Jews, regardless of their prayer customs. Miri expressed hope that her brother's pure soul ascended to heaven to atone for the people of Israel, who she believes are in great need of divine mercy.