Ukrainian Refugee Vladimir Togbinchenko Drowns in Ashdod Nearly Three Years After Son's Murder in October 7 Massacre

Vladimir Togbinchenko, a 60-year-old Ukrainian refugee who fled to Israel with his family following the Russia-Ukraine war, drowned on Saturday at an unregulated beach near Ashdod's Metzuda Beach. His funeral took place the next day at Ashdod Cemetery, where family members mourned him less than three years after losing his son, Vitaly Togbinchenko, and son-in-law's father, Oleg Lipshitz, who were both killed in the October 7 massacre.

Vladimir is survived by his wife Irena, daughter Katya, daughter-in-law Lilia, and grandson Yaroslav. The family revealed Vladimir was hearing impaired, a challenge that also affected his son Vitaly, who volunteered to assist others with hearing disabilities. The extended family often gathered for holidays at Vitaly and Lilia's home.

Vitaly, born in Ukraine in January 1989, grew up there and later attended police school. He married Lilia in May 2017, and they lived in Kherson with their son Yaroslav. Vitaly was known for his popular food stall and warm personality. He enjoyed cooking, hosting family meals, and fishing, a passion that connected him deeply with his son. After initially moving to Israel in 2019, the family returned to Ukraine but relocated again to Israel after the 2022 war outbreak, settling in Ashkelon near Lilia's parents.

On October 7, Vitaly and his father-in-law Oleg went fishing near the Gaza envelope area. During the Hamas attack, they fled to the Gama Junction area, where they were murdered. Their car was found at the scene. Vitaly was buried next to Oleg in Ashdod.

The tragic drowning of Vladimir, reported to Magen David Adom at 16:27 on Saturday, occurred at an unauthorized beach where swimming is illegal and dangerous. Paramedics attempted prolonged resuscitation but declared him dead. Ashdod municipality emphasized that swimming is permitted only at designated beaches during rescue service hours.

The refugee aid organization A.S.A.F. expressed deep condolences, highlighting the family's tragic journey from fleeing war to suffering multiple losses in Israel, including the October 7 massacre and now Vladimir's death.