Father Recounts Devastation After Losing Son and Sisters in Nova Massacre
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Dudu Jarfi revisited the Nova festival site three years after his son Liel, 18, and two sisters, Einav Yaakov, 29, and Shahaf Yaakov, 26, were murdered in a fortified room by Hamas terrorists. The three were among 29 killed in the shelter after leaving the festival on October 7th. Jarfi described the week-long search for his family and the subsequent funerals held within days of each other. He finds strength in his faith to continue raising his remaining children, supported by the organization "One Family."
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Dudu Jarfi lost his son and two sisters at the Nova festival massacre on October 7th.
- His son Liel Jarfi was 18, and his sisters Einav and Shahaf Yaakov were 29 and 26.
- The three were killed in a fortified room near Kibbutz Re'im along with 26 others.
- Jarfi described a week-long search for his family following the attack.
- He finds strength in his faith to continue raising his remaining children.
- The family is receiving support from the "One Family" organization.
Dudu Jarfi returned to the site of the Nova music festival three years after the October 7th Hamas attack, where he lost his son, Liel Jarfi, 18, and his two sisters, Einav Yaakov, 29, and Shahaf Yaakov, 26. The three had gone to the festival to enjoy the music and life, but never returned.
Jarfi recounted that his son and sisters left the festival when rockets began falling and sought shelter in a nearby fortified room near Kibbutz Re'im. Approximately forty people were in the shelter, but around 9 AM, Hamas terrorists attacked, killing 29 individuals inside, including Jarfi's son and sisters. Omer Vankert, who was later abducted to Gaza and released, was among the survivors in the shelter.
Jarfi described the agonizing week-long search for his loved ones. After being initially directed to Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva, where no civilian casualties were arriving, the family continued their search across the country. His son was identified via DNA tests a week after the massacre and buried on a Sunday. That same evening, the family received confirmation that his sisters had also been killed, and their funerals were held the following Monday.
Life has irrevocably changed for the Jarfi family since October 7th. "The family hasn't been the same as before October 7th," Dudu Jarfi stated, noting that family gatherings and holidays are now marked by absence. He and his wife are raising their remaining children, striving to provide stability amidst the profound loss.
Despite the immense pain, Jarfi finds strength in his faith, explaining that he believes God does not burden individuals with challenges they cannot overcome. He emphasized that their faith helps them continue their daily lives and care for the family that remains, acknowledging that each day presents a new struggle. The family has received support from the organization "One Family," which Jarfi credits with significantly helping their children cope with the tragedy.
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