Grieving Father Attends 313 Funerals, Pleads for End to Hate
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rafael Aruvas, father of fallen soldier Shir Aruvas, has attended 313 funerals for soldiers since his son's death in Gaza. Ahead of elections, he pleaded with Israelis to reject hatred and political division, urging them to "be good people" and vote with independent judgment. Aruvas shared that his son was involved in saving lives on October 7th before falling in combat.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rafael Aruvas attended 313 funerals for fallen soldiers since his son Shir died in Gaza.
- He pleaded for Israelis to "be good people" and avoid hatred during election season.
- Aruvas stated that in wars, there are no victors, only personal losses.
- His son Shir saved 102 people in Kfar Aza on October 7th before falling in combat.
- He urged citizens to vote based on independent judgment, not incitement.
Rafael Aruvas, whose son Sergeant Major Shir Aruvas fell in Gaza, has attended 313 funerals for fallen soldiers since his son's death. He described the immense pain of the bereaved families he has met and the ongoing grief.
Speaking ahead of elections, Aruvas urged Israelis to set aside their political disputes. He stated that while people should vote for whomever they choose, they must not allow hatred to dominate their interactions. Aruvas emphasized that in wars, there are no true victors, only personal losses, like his own in losing his son.
He recounted that his son, Shir, joined the fighting on October 7th, deploying to the Gaza vicinity. Shir was later killed in combat in Gaza and buried in the military cemetery in Holon. Aruvas mentioned that his son and his comrades saved 102 people in Kfar Aza and also claimed they killed a number of terrorists in northern Jabalia.
Aruvas, who has visited numerous military cemeteries across Israel, expressed his deep empathy for the families he encounters at each funeral, offering comfort and solidarity. He believes many bereaved families would echo his plea for kindness and mutual respect.
His core message is a simple one: "Be good people." He implores Israelis to love one another, regardless of political affiliation, and to vote based on independent judgment rather than incitement. Aruvas stressed the importance of maintaining Israel as a Jewish state but insisted that political disagreements should not foster hatred among citizens.