Today, Yom HaShoah, as we remember the six million Jewish people who were murdered during the Holocaust, we are also remembering those whose lives have been cut short by anti-Semitic violence and terror attacks by those who seek the destruction of the Jewish homeland. The Times of Israel has reported the names of 20 people who were killed in Israel by missile attacks from Iran during the most recent conflict.
Mary Ann Velasquez De Vera
Mary Ann was from the Philippines and had been working as a caregiver for the elderly in Israel since 2019. She was the first casualty of the war on February 28, when Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion began. Mary Ann died from her injuries after shielding her patient in bed when a missile struck the apartment. Her patient was rescued from the rubble.
Yaakov, Avigail, and Sara Biton
On March 1, the deadliest strike occurred in Beit Shemesh—a synagogue was destroyed, and shelters were nearly compromised. Teenage siblings Yaakov, Avigail, and Sara, ages 13 to 16, were among the nine people killed in the attack. They are survived by their parents and younger sister.
Gavriel Ravach
16-year-old Gavriel was a classmate of Yaakov’s and was killed in the same attack. His brother said he will always be remembered as a good friend and that he will be present with the family in every mitzvah (good deed) performed in his name.
Ronit and Sara Elimelech
44-year-old Ronit and her 67-year-old mother, Sara, were also killed in the Beit Shemesh strike. Ronit was a volunteer with United Hatzalah and was working toward becoming a nurse. Sara regularly prepared and delivered food and donations to IDF soldiers. Both are remembered for their generosity and righteousness.
Bruria and Yossi Cohen
76-year-old Bruria and her 41-year-old son, Yossi, were also killed in the Beit Shemesh strike. Yossi is survived by his wife, who was hospitalized and treated for her injuries, and their four children.
Oren Katz
Oren managed to get his wife and four children into a bomb shelter in Beit Shemesh. Before he could close the door, the missile struck, and he was killed by the impact. His wife said his kindness and generosity taught her the true meaning of giving.
Rustam Gulomov
Rustam was one of two construction workers killed in Yehud on March 9, when an Iranian cluster bomb struck their worksite. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Rustam moved to Israel in 2011 and had worked in construction since then.
Amid Mortozov
The second construction worker killed in the Yehud attack, Amid had moved to Israel in 2007. He is survived by his wife and three children. His son said he raised him to be hopeful and strong in his beliefs. Both Amid and Rustam were from Petah Tikva.
Yaron and Ilana Moshe
Married couple Yaron and Ilana were killed on the morning of March 18, when their home in Ramat Gan was struck by a cluster munition. First responders determined they were unable to reach their shelter due to mobility issues. Neighbors remember them as deeply devoted to one another.
Chaiwat Waewnil
Chaiwat was a Thai worker on a potato farm in Moshav Adanim. Also on March 18, the area was hit by Iranian cluster munitions. He was working in a shed when it was struck. Chaiwat is survived by his wife and child; his body was returned to Thailand.
Vyacheslav Vidmant
On March 27, Iran again struck Tel Aviv. Security officer Vyacheslav was killed when a bomb hit the site where he was standing guard. He had been employed to protect damaged buildings from looting. First responders noted that he remained at his post instead of seeking shelter. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Vladimir, Lena, Dimitri, and Lucille Jean Gershovich
The Gershovich family’s home in Haifa was hit by a ballistic missile on April 5. Vladimir, his wife Lena, their son Dimitri, and Dimitri’s wife, Lucille Jean, were all killed. Vladimir and Lena made aliyah from Ukraine in the 1990s. Dimitri met Lucille Jean in the Philippines, and they were married two years ago.
The Fellowship and our supporters remember their names and reflect on the cost of a free and safe Jewish homeland. We also pray for their loved ones and let them know that they are not alone in their mourning.
