Jewish Federations of North America mourn and pray for the families of Ofra Keidar, Jonathan Samerano, and Staff Sgt. Shay Levinson—each of whom was murdered or abducted during the October 7th onslaught by Hamas terrorists.
Ofra Keidar, 71, was killed while out for her morning walk in Kibbutz Be’eri. Her husband, Sami, was also murdered that day in their home. Ofra and Sami are survived by their daughter Yael, sons Elad and Oren, seven grandchildren, and several siblings.
Jonathan Samerano, just 22, was murdered after fleeing the Nova Music Festival and attempting to reach Kibbutz Be’eri. His body was recovered on what would have been his 23rd Hebrew birthday. His mother, Ayelet, was active in the movement to bring home the hostages—both living and dead—held in Gaza.
Staff Sgt. Shay Levinson, 19, of Givat Avni, served as a tank commander and was killed while bravely fighting terrorists on the Gaza border.
May their memories be a blessing. We stand with their families and with those of the 50 other hostages who remain in captivity.