Widow Esther Rakov-Melt Sits Shiva at Site of Husband’s Killing in West Bank Shooting Attack

Esther Rakov-Melt has chosen to sit shiva, the traditional Jewish mourning period, at the exact location in the West Bank where her husband, Benyahu Melt, was killed in a shooting attack last Friday. Benyahu, 32, a reservist sergeant major and agricultural coordinator from the Gilad Farm settlement, was shot dead while responding to an attack on Israeli hikers near the village of Tal. The assailant, a Palestinian who seized a weapon during the incident, was killed shortly after. Benyahu left behind Esther and their two daughters.

Esther, a doctoral student in archaeology, described her late husband as deeply committed to his military and agricultural duties, a man who connected with youth through example and was passionate about the land. Benyahu served in the reserves with the 16th Brigade and was undergoing officer training before being dismissed two days before completion over a disputed physical fitness test. Esther criticized this decision, noting that ten other cadets who failed the same test graduated, calling it an injustice she intends to challenge with support from military commanders, including Brigadier General Kobi Heller.

While Esther praised the army’s response during the attack, she highlighted several operational failures, including delayed arrival of forces unfamiliar with the terrain, lack of medical training among civilians, and slow evacuation. She and other West Bank settler leaders believe the attack could have been prevented and called for changes to the rules of engagement, citing hesitancy among security personnel to fire on attackers due to fear of repercussions. Esther also recalled recent community discussions about expanding settlements after a fire destroyed about 30 homes and businesses in Gilad Farm.

Despite her grief, Esther emphasized Benyahu’s resilience and dedication, noting he continued to serve as an officer after his training ended and was always focused on rebuilding and advancing the community. She vowed to seek justice for her husband and improve conditions for those defending the settlements.