Beit Shemesh mourns its dead as funerals hit by renewed sirens
Nine people were killed in Israel’s deadliest Iran missile strike as mourners were forced back into shelters
Nine people killed by an Iranian missile strike in Beit Shemesh have been laid to rest.
Hundreds gathered on Monday at the city cemetery for the funeral of Oren Katz, a local resident killed in the strike after reportedly returning to a public shelter to close its door. Family members described him as devoted to protecting others and caring deeply for his family.
Eulogising her husband, Katz’s wife Smadar, told mourners: “Your generosity cost you your life yesterday. You went upstairs to close the shelter. You will always remain with us, we will never forget you.”
Their son Yosef recalled that his father had come home early from work so the family could eat together before the attack. “You were always a special person who cared for everyone, just not for yourself,” he said. “Yesterday, you came home in the middle of your workday so we would have something to eat for lunch.”
“I’m glad I had the privilege to eat your food one last time,” he added.
The missile strike caused the collapse of a building in Beit Shemesh and marked the deadliest attack inside Israel during the current conflict with Iran. Dozens more were wounded, including children.
Later on Monday, the names of two additional victims were cleared for publication: Bruria Gloria Cohen and her son Yossi Cohen. Their funeral earlier in the day was interrupted by sirens as another barrage was launched.
Other victims include 16-year-old Gavriel Baruch Revach, Ronit Elimelech and her mother Sara Elimelech. Ronit was a volunteer with United Hatzalah in Beit Shemesh, while her mother was part of one of the city’s founding families.
At the funeral of Gavriel Baruch Revach, Beit Shemesh mayor Shmuel Greenberg urged residents to stand together. “Like a lion we will roar against all our enemies. You will not defeat us. You will not defeat us,” he said.
“In these difficult moments, we are writing the scroll of Beit Shemesh,” the mayor added. “Our children will one day speak about a Beit Shemesh that stood together in this painful hour.”
Emergency services said dozens were injured in the strike, with several in serious or moderate condition. Hadassah Hospital prepared for a mass-casualty incident amid initial fears that people were trapped under rubble.
The Israel Defence Forces said a review found that warning systems were activated as required ahead of the strike. The Home Front Command is examining whether the public shelter that was struck was functioning properly.
Israeli authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the strike, including how the missile penetrated the building and the impact on the underground shelter. Emergency services said dozens of residents were rescued from the scene, while forensic teams are still working to identify all the victims. The Home Front Command has stressed that protected spaces continue to save lives in the vast majority of attacks, even as it reviews the specific conditions surrounding this incident.
As funerals continued under the threat of further attacks, residents described a city united in grief – and resilience – as Israel confronts the growing human cost of the conflict.
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