Mother of Liron Berda Reflects on Bar Asraf’s Suicide at Her Daughter’s Grave

The mother of Liron Berda, who was killed in the October 7 attack, spoke about the recent suicide of Bar Asraf, who took his life at Liron’s grave. She expressed deep pain and confusion over his death, recalling that Bar was a childhood friend of Liron’s and a kind person from a wonderful family. Bar and Liron were close since childhood, with Liron often supporting him emotionally. Bar’s mother had thanked Liron for always being there for her son.

Bar’s suicide shocked the family, especially given that he frequently visited Liron’s grave and spoke to her. The family only learned of Liron’s death when Bar’s body was found there. The mother described how Liron managed bars and worked in the family business selling restaurant equipment, a role now continued by her brothers, Or and Omer. She recounted the tragic day Liron was found after stopping to answer calls, despite being urged to leave the dangerous area.

Liron was posthumously awarded the President’s Medal for Civil Courage for choosing to stay and care for the wounded rather than flee. The mother admitted feeling anger at Liron for not saving herself but acknowledged it was her nature. Both of Liron’s brothers returned to military service immediately after the funeral, with Omer wounded in combat but refusing to leave his unit.

To cope with her grief, Liron’s mother attends weekly therapy sessions at a trauma center for bereaved families and victims of the October 7 attacks. She finds comfort in being among others who understand her pain without words.