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On June 20, 2023, a terrorist attack occurred at a gas station in the city of El, located in the Binyamin region, resulting in the loss of our lives and leaving four others wounded. According to CNN reports, this attack is the deadliest incident involving Israelis since January (Gotkine). The four wounded individuals were later taken to hospitals after various resuscitation attempts.
As stated by the IDF, two terrorists approached the gas station where they shot a security guard and then further shot 5 more people at a restaurant (“4 Murdered in Terrorist Shooting Attack in Eli”). One of the civilians who was shot happened to be armed and neutralized one of the terrorists, while the other one was killed by both the IDF and Israel Security Agency troops after they located the vehicle he was travelling in (“4 Murdered in Terrorist Shooting
Attack in Eli”).
The communities affected by the terrorist attack officially released the names of the four Israelies who lost their lives: Elisha Antman, 18 and Ofer Fierman, 63 who were both from Eli; Harel Masoud, 21, of Yad Binyamin; and Nachman Shmuel Mordoff, at age 17, from Ahiya.
Elisha Anteman, age 18, from the settlement of Eli in the central West Bank was buried late Tuesday night at the cemetery in his hometown.
His funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners who came to pay their respects to a young life that was tragically taken during the terrorist attack (Bachner). Anteman was said to have been a diligent student in the 12th grade at Bnei Akiva Eli Yeshiva and was described as a good
child of the Land of Israel by Binyamin Regional Council head Yisrael Gantz. Recognizing the profound deviation demonstrated by Elishas’s family, he acknowledges them as a significant source of inspiration and strength to find growth despite the agonizing pain.
Victim Ofer Fierman, a 63-year-old resident of Eli, was shot and killed at the gas station while he was innocently filling his car. The victim left behind a strong sense of compassion and
responsibility towards his homeland (Rahav-Meir). He was deeply known for his habit of
cleaning trash to demonstrate the love he had towards the Land of Israel. He not only believed that preserving the cleanliness of land was a duty owed by each and every inhabitant of the land, but as a way to show respect and honor the country he cherished.
Harel Masoud, a 21-year-old resident of Yad Binyamin and victim of a shooting attack near the settlement of Eli in the
central West Bank was one of the four individuals who lost his life on June 20, 2023. Masoud’s funeral was held that same night in Yesodot, Israel, where his family and friends were able to gather
and pay their final respects to him (Shezaf). In his mother’s tribute to him, she revealed that Masoud had recently been released
from the army and had just begun to
embrace the incredible opportunities that awaited him in the land he loved. Masoud’s
“charismatic and energetic” personality left a lasting impression on his peers and was described by his high school principal, Rabbi Hezekiah Darmon, as a highly dedicated and fearless individual who was always ready to take on challenges and
commit to his personal goals (Shezaf). Ultimately, Massoud’s death created an irreplaceable void and he will forever be cherished by his family, friends and community.
Nachman Shmuel Mordoff, a 17-year-old young man from Ahiya was
regrettably among the victims who lost their lives in the devastating terrorist attack. His funeral was held on Wednesday morning in the town of Shiloh, where residents of the
community, friends and family
gathered to mourn the loss of a remarkable man (Rahav-Meir).
Nachman’s mother described him as a precious child full of energy and joy. He was known for his love toward the Land of Israel and its people, possessing a genuine desire to do good while prioritizing the needs of others before himself (“Nachman Shmuel Mordoff, Teen Terror Victim”). According to Nachman’s family, he was a beloved young man who was always radiating positive
energy and never failed to provide support or
encouragement to those in need (“Nachman Shmuel Mordoff, Teen Terror Victim”). He embraced the values
of integrity, holiness and respect towards his parents and was able to form deep connections driven by his pure intentions and infectious smile. Ultimately, Nachman’s death left a profound impact and the values he embodied will undoubtedly serve as a lasting inspiration for others to uphold truth, kindness and passion.
W orks Cited
Bachner, Michael, et al. “‘how Do I Go on?’ Funerals Held for 4 Israelis Killed in West Bank Terror Attack.” The Times of Israel, 21 June 2023,
“4 Murdered in Terrorist Shooting Attack in Eli.” Israel National News, 20 June 2023, www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373027.
Gotkine, Elliott, and Amir Tal. “At Least Four Israelis Killed in West Bank Shootings, Authorities Say.” CNN, 21 June 2023,
edition.cnn.com/2023/06/20/middleeast/israel-eli-shootings-west-bank-intl/index.html.
“Nachman Shmuel Mordoff, Teen Terror Victim, Is Laid to Rest.” Israel National News, 21 June 2023, www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373064.
Rahav-Meir, Sivan. “The Daily Portion / Creating a Private Defensive Shield.” Israel National News, 22 June 2023, www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373116.
Shezaf, Hagar. “Four Israelis Killed in West Bank Settlement Shooting Attack Identified.”
Haaretz.Com, 21 June 2023,
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-06-21/ty-article/.premium/four-israelis-killed-in-west
-bank-settlement-attack-identified/00000188-db35-d5fc-ab9d-db7de36c0000.
