Shira Shapira Leaves Public Service to Join Yoaz Hendel’s Political Party After Son’s Death

Shira Shapira, who managed heritage preservation in Israel’s Gaza envelope region and rebuilt the dental clinic in Kibbutz Be’eri, has resigned from her role as deputy director at the Ministry of Heritage after 20 years in public service. She is now entering politics by joining the party led by Yoaz Hendel and Hili Tropper. Shapira’s decision follows the death of her eldest son, Enar Shapira, who became a national symbol after heroically saving lives during the October 7 attacks before he was killed.

Before formally announcing her resignation, Shapira visited her son’s grave at the military cemetery to seek guidance, describing a profound personal conversation with him. Enar, remembered as a soldier without uniform who physically threw grenades out of a fortified shelter near Re’im, was also an artist and musician. His sacrifice deeply influences Shapira’s new path, which she embraces with the belief that growth can emerge from crisis.

Yoaz Hendel, a close friend and political partner, emphasized that Shapira’s move is based on her extensive experience and leadership in the public sector, not solely on her personal loss. Shapira’s husband, Moshe, and children expressed pride and concern about the challenges ahead. Shapira herself stressed the importance of taking responsibility after the trauma of October 7, aiming to impact Israeli society on a national level.

Throughout the war and its aftermath, Shapira focused on documenting the destruction and preserving memories, including restoring symbolic sites like the Be’eri dental clinic and the shelter where Enar fell. She has advocated for accountability among Israeli leadership and is determined to continue her son’s legacy of courage and selflessness. Holding a photo of Enar in the shelter, she said his words to fellow defenders, "If I fall or miss, keep going after me," serve as a binding mission for her political journey.