Michael Katz Dies After Three Months From Iranian Missile Strike in Haifa Residential Building

Michael Katz, an 82-year-old resident of Haifa, passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering severe injuries from a direct hit by an Iranian ballistic missile on a residential building during Operation "Roaring Lion." Katz was critically wounded on April 6 when the missile struck a six-story building in Haifa, destroying the first three floors. He was rescued from the rubble and hospitalized, where he fought for his life for over three months before succumbing to his wounds.

Katz, who recently celebrated his 82nd birthday in May, had a long career at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and was honored with an award for his contributions to Israel's security. He is survived by his wife Nina, who was lightly injured in the attack, their two sons Itamar and Yoav, and six grandchildren. Nina Katz expressed her grief, describing the missile strike as a devastating event that shattered her life after 55 years of marriage.

The missile strike also killed four members of the Gershovich family: Lena (68), her husband Vladimir (73), their son Dima (42), and daughter-in-law Lucille (29). The family had been in the lower level of the building during the attack, near a protected space that was outside their apartment, requiring them to leave their home to reach the shelter. The elderly parents struggled to reach it before the missile hit.

Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav mourned Katz's death, highlighting his dedication to Israel's security and condemning the missile attack targeting civilians in the city center. He pledged continued support for Katz's family during their time of loss.

The missile strike occurred amid Operation "Roaring Lion," reflecting ongoing tensions and hostilities involving Iranian-backed forces. Katz's death marks a tragic outcome of the attack on civilian infrastructure in Haifa.