Hundreds of Israeli Babies Named Aner in Tribute to October 7 Hero

Nearly 300 children born in Israel since the October 7 Hamas attack have been given the name Aner, in tribute to Aner Shapira, a 22-year-old who became a symbol of Israeli heroism. Shapira was in a shelter near Re'im after fleeing the Nova music festival when attackers began throwing grenades inside. He reportedly pushed several grenades back out of the shelter with his bare hands, saving the lives of others inside before he was killed.

According to the Aner Shapira association, the number of children named Aner has surged dramatically since the war began. Prior to October 7, approximately 11 children were named Aner annually in Israel. This number has since increased more than tenfold.

Shira and Moshe Shapira, Aner's parents, view the hundreds of children now bearing their son's name as a powerful way to keep his memory alive. They expressed deep emotion at families choosing the name, believing each child carries forward Aner's courage, love of life, creativity, and protective spirit. The parents consider hearing their son's name in hundreds of families, schools, and kindergartens across Israel to be one of the most potent tributes to his memory, surpassing ceremonies and monuments.