Family Honors Slain Footballer Lior Assulin With Life-Celebrating Birthday Event
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The family of late Israeli footballer Lior Assulin, murdered on October 7, held a life-celebrating birthday event for him, two days after his memorial service. Assulin, who would have turned 46, was killed by terrorists at the Nova music festival. His family and friends shared memories of his vibrant personality and the pain of his loss, while also honoring his memory through celebration.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Lior Assulin, a former Israeli footballer murdered on October 7, was honored with a birthday celebration by his family.
- The event took place two days after his memorial service, aiming to celebrate his life as he would have wanted.
- Assulin was killed by terrorists at the Nova music festival, where he had gone after friends convinced him to attend.
- His family and friends described him as a vibrant, happy individual whose absence is deeply felt.
- Several friends and his coach shared memories, highlighting his generous spirit and impact on those around him.
The family of late Israeli footballer Lior Assulin, who was murdered by Hamas terrorists at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, held a birthday celebration for him two days after his memorial service. Assulin would have turned 46. His ex-wife, Moran, explained that after a subdued memorial last year, they decided to honor his memory by celebrating life, as Assulin was known as "the happiest man in the world." Despite the celebratory approach, the pain remains acute, with Moran noting that time does not heal, but rather intensifies the grief.
Assulin's 18-year-old daughter, Amor, recalled how the family used to celebrate his birthdays at a restaurant in Rishon LeZion. This year, they met there as planned. She shared a poignant regret about missing a planned visit to her father the day before he was murdered, as he had gone to the Nova party after friends convinced him. She expressed deep longing for his guidance, especially as she prepares to enlist in the IDF in November.
Moran recounted the chaotic aftermath of Assulin's death, including the lack of official notification and her discovery of details through media reports. She described the agonizing five-day wait to identify his body amidst the chaos at the Shura military camp. Friends also shared memories of Assulin's vibrant personality and his tragic final hours, noting that he was among five friends who attended the party, none of whom returned.
Assulin's mother, Yimi, described her own harrowing experience of realizing her son had been killed and the subsequent five-day search for his body. She expressed gratitude to the clubs where Assulin played, including Maccabi Petah Tikva and Beitar Jerusalem, for holding tribute matches. Close friend the close friend has launched a fashion brand named "Koko 43" in Assulin's memory, while coach Eyal Lachman and friend Eran Levy remembered Assulin as a beloved figure whose absence leaves a significant void.
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