Son eulogizes father who saved him in Kol Kippur eve attack

Netanel (Nati) Shukrun HY"D, 48, a father of six from Eli Zahav, was laid to rest after Yom Kippur ended. He was murdered in a shooting attack near Neveh Tzuf on the eve of the holy day.

Family members and friends eulogized a devoted family man, a person of kindness, a man of Torah and tradition, and a father whose world revolved entirely around his children.

His wife Merav spoke of nearly eighteen years of marriage and the home and family they built together. "Nati was a family man who honored his parents. Honoring parents was truly one of the most important things to him," she said.

She described his involvement in their children's lives: "He was involved in their studies, he was involved in their emotions. He made sure they learned to ride bikes, he was involved in their behavior, in their feelings, and he was constantly thinking about what could help them, what more could be done."

"The family truly was his entire world," Merav said.

"Thank you for saving my life"

The most wrenching moment of the funeral came when his eldest son, Yoav, who had been with his father at the spring during the attack, delivered his eulogy.

"Dad, I want to say thank you. Thank you for being together. Thank you for what happened in the attack. When the terrorist arrived, you shouted at me to run, and I ran. Thank you so much. Thank you so much for saving my life," Yoav said.

He continued: "I also want to thank Hashem for saving me. I also want to say to the family, to Mom and my siblings, that we'll continue together. I also want to ask forgiveness from Dad for everything I did and maybe hurt you. Forgive me, Dad."

Yoav, son of Netanel Shukrun HY"D (Photo: Hilel Ben Or/Flash90)

Netanel's daughters also spoke about the moment they learned of the attack and about their father, who was a central figure in the family's life.

One daughter recounted how her father was particularly careful about honoring parents, preserving tradition, and family unity. She described family customs he cherished and the Ne'ilah prayer, when the entire family would stand together under his tallit during the priestly blessing.

"Dad, thank you for raising me for fourteen years. I was privileged to learn so much from you. I will try to continue your path," she said.

His daughters spoke of the many trips he organized and his love for the Land of Israel: "You always took care to organize and arrange everything in advance... You took us on so many trips around the country, which you loved so much and wanted us to love too."

"You are an angel"

His sister spoke of her younger brother, whom she had accompanied since birth, and of the man who became the pillar of the family.

"People like you are rare. Although you were my younger brother, I admired you," she said. "You volunteered for countless days of reserve duty, even though you weren't obligated. Handsome, wise, modest, always always with a smile. Kind-hearted with a huge heart that has room for everyone."

"To me you are so much more than a brother, you are an angel. You are a son, you are a friend," she said. "You are an exemplary father, a perfect husband... you are our improved model."

Family embrace at Netanel's funeral (Photo: Hilel Ben Or/Flash90)

"Thank you for who you were to the family"

Rabbi Gad Makhta, rabbi of Eli Zahav, bid farewell to Netanel and spoke of his role in the community.

"Nati, thank you so much. Thank you for who you are. Thank you for who you were to the family, to Merav and the children, who you were to the entire community, especially the Sephardic synagogue," he said.

He described him as a man who lived his faith and tradition with modesty, adding: "The great faith, the rich tradition, words of halacha, such a warm handshake, a huge smile, all with modesty, and you will be so missed."

He concluded by addressing the family: "To Merav, Yoav, Talia, Yael, Tamar, Noa and Or, you are strong and you are amazing, and you were privileged to have an amazing father. A righteous and holy father, with a great legacy."

Grandfather murdered in Algeria

The eulogies repeatedly emphasized Netanel's role in preserving the traditions of Algerian Jewry, from which his family came.

His brother recounted that approximately seventy years ago, their grandfather, Rabbi Yaakov Shukrun, rabbi of the community in the city of Medea, Algeria, was murdered on the steps of the synagogue. Following the murder, Netanel's parents decided to immigrate to Israel.

His sister said Netanel was "the pillar" of the Sephardic synagogue in Eli Zahav and was involved in preserving the prayer liturgies, customs, and melodies that came from the family home.

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, also mentioned in his eulogy the family's roots and Netanel's deep connection to tradition, the Jewish people, and the Land of Israel.

Dagan also spoke of the final moments: "Even in the last seconds of your life you saved the life of your son Yoav the hero... You told him, as Yoav told me: 'Terrorist, run.'"

He turned to Yoav and said: "You are a true hero. Dad is proud of you."

Netanel Shukrun HY"D

Netanel Shukrun, 30, from Eli Zahav, was shot while at Ein Re'aya spring near Neveh Tzuf, where he had gone with his eldest son to immerse before Yom Kippur. He was critically wounded and evacuated to Beilinson Hospital, where his death was pronounced.

He is survived by his wife Merav and six children – Yoav, Talia, Yael, Tamar, Noa, and Or.

Netanel studied at Avir Yaakov Yeshiva in Netivot and at the hesder yeshiva in Ma'alot, served in the Paratroopers, studied at Bar-Ilan University, and worked as an information systems analyst at Hachshara Insurance Company. His wife, Dr. Merav Shukrun, is a lecturer at Ariel University.

May his memory be a blessing.