Brother-in-Law of Bar Asraf, Who Committed Suicide After Nova Party Massacre, Recalls His Happiness

Bar Asraf ended his life at a cemetery beside the grave of his close friend Liron Berda, who was murdered in the October 7, 2023 Nova Party massacre. His sister-in-law, Shir Asraf, spoke about the tragic event on 103fm radio on Tuesday, reflecting on Bar's state shortly after the wedding of her and Bar's younger brother, Maor. Shir described Bar as appearing happier than ever during the wedding, fully invested in making the event perfect, dancing and embracing guests with visible excitement. She noted that no one suspected he was struggling internally.

Shir recalled that Bar dedicated a song to his parents and danced with them during a party held on the Friday following the wedding. However, just days later, Bar took his own life. She revealed that Bar frequently visited Liron's grave and initially showed normal grief but seemed to suppress his pain over time. Their last phone conversation was the night before the wedding, when Bar expressed his excitement and love, saying he could not sleep. Shir lamented not having that call recorded.

Bar and Liron shared a deep bond; he confided in her without fear of judgment. Shir said Bar would often cry when talking about Liron and spent much time at her grave. Over the past year, Bar became unusually close with his brother Maor, with Shir describing them as almost like twins. She also mentioned that Bar experienced a period of depression about two months before his death, during which he stayed with her and Maor but later asked to be left alone.

Shir emphasized Bar's strength but acknowledged the devastating impact his death had on the family, leaving them shattered. She urged anyone facing emotional distress to seek help, providing contact information for Israeli mental health support services such as ERAN, NATAL, and SAHAR.