Oron Shaul’s Mother Zehava Passes Away After Decade-Long Fight to Bring Him Home

Zehava Shaul, mother of Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul who was killed and abducted during Operation Protective Edge in 2014 and held by Hamas in Gaza for over a decade, died on Friday at age 71 after battling a serious illness. Her funeral is scheduled for Sunday at 12:00 PM at the cemetery in Poria Illit. The family described Zehava as a woman of faith, determination, and compassion who carried the relentless fight to bring her son’s body back to Israel with inspiring strength for more than ten years. They expressed deep gratitude for her legacy of perseverance, hope, and love.

The Jordan Valley Regional Council mourned her passing, calling her a noble woman who fought tirelessly to return Oron to his resting place in Israel. Zehava will be buried beside her late husband Hertzel and her son Oron, whose first yahrzeit was recently observed at the same cemetery. Regional Council head Idan Greenbaum extended condolences and support to Zehava’s sons, Ofek and Aviram.

President Isaac Herzog also expressed sorrow over Zehava’s death, praising her courage and dedication in the long struggle to retrieve Oron’s remains. Herzog recalled accompanying the family through their painful journey and honored Zehava’s unwavering faith and love. He sent heartfelt condolences to her sons and the entire Shaul family, emphasizing that Zehava’s memory will remain a symbol of persistence and hope for the nation.

The municipality of Tiberias likewise mourned Zehava, recognizing her as a symbol of a mother’s fierce fight to bring home her son, a hero and fallen soldier. They extended comfort to her sons and the Shaul and Namimi families during this difficult time.