“We Are Shocked and Grieving”: Beloved Nurse Ravit Gal Nachmad Killed by Former Partner in Kibbutz Murder-Suicide

On Sunday evening, May 25, 2025, a devastating murder-suicide shook the Ashdot Yaakov Kibbutz in Israel’s Jordan Valley Regional Council, claiming the lives of Ravit Gal Nachmad, 54, and her former partner, Herzl Bar Oz, 67, from Ani’am in the Golan Heights, as reported by Ynet and Mako. According to initial police findings, Bar Oz, a licensed gun owner, arrived at the kibbutz and fatally shot Nachmad, a nurse and mother of three, before turning the weapon on himself. The couple, who had lived together for 13 years, had separated in February 2025, with reports indicating Bar Oz was enraged over the breakup. Police confirmed no prior complaints of violence had been filed, a claim echoed by local welfare authorities.

Nachmad, a dedicated nurse at the North Medical Center (Poria) in Tiberias, was described as a beloved professional and devoted mother to her children, aged 33, 30, and 28, all residents of Ashdot Yaakov. MDA paramedic Maor Sarga recounted, “We arrived quickly and saw a man and a woman, aged 67 and 54, lying unconscious, without a pulse or breath. There was nothing left for us to do but declare their deaths.” Paramedic Nissim Levi added, “The injuries were significant, and we had to confirm their deaths at the scene.” Police received reports of gunfire around 6:30 p.m., and forensic teams are investigating the scene, noting Bar Oz’s decades-long firearm license.

The tragedy has left the kibbutz reeling. Idan Greenbaum, head of the Jordan Valley Regional Council and a childhood friend of Nachmad, said, “We are shocked and grieving this harsh tragedy… Ravit was not just a resident but my classmate, who grew up with me.” Golan Regional Council head Uri Kellner expressed solidarity, stating, “We are in contact with the Jordan Valley Council, supporting Ani’am and the families.” Tal Hochman of the Women’s Lobby condemned the incident, noting, “Twelve women have been murdered this year by relatives or partners… Authorities fail even when the writing is on the wall.”

The North Medical Center mourned Nachmad, stating, “Ravit was an integral part of our team; professional, sensitive, and loved.” Welfare services are supporting Nachmad’s family and the community, as police continue their investigation into this heart-wrenching case of domestic violence.