Amid the turbulent and challenging backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, certain stories emerge that serve as poignant reminders of the very human toll this protracted struggle exacts. The tragic account of the Bachar family—Dana, Carmel, Avida, and Hadar—stands as a stark example of the devastating impact of violence and terror, particularly the Hamas attack on Kibbutz Be’eri on the fateful morning of October 7.
A Morning of Horror
On that ill-fated morning, the Bachar family found themselves in the grip of unimaginable terror. With Hamas militants closing in on Kibbutz Be’eri, the family sought refuge in their safe room. They clung to one another, their hearts pounding in fear as they attempted to barricade the door, their only protection against the horrors unfolding outside.
A Family’s Nightmare
Avida, the father, and Dana, the mother, instinctively shielded their two children, Carmel and Hadar, from the impending violence. Their bravery in the face of danger, driven by an instinctive need to protect their loved ones, is a testament to the deep bonds that bind a family together.
But on this fateful day, their heroic efforts would tragically be in vain. The Hamas terrorists, relentless in their assault, fired upon the door of the safe room, injuring both Avida and Carmel. They then set the door ablaze, a harrowing image that is difficult to comprehend. Grenades were hurled into the room, two of which detonated, unleashing further chaos and destruction.
The Unbearable Loss
In the midst of this relentless attack, Dana, the beloved mother and wife, lost her life to the brutality of the assault. Her untimely death, a heartbreaking consequence of this horrifying act of terror, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence on innocent civilians.
Carmel, the 15-year-old son, and Avida, the father, survived this ordeal, but not without physical and emotional scars that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. The trauma of that day is etched into their memories, a haunting reminder of the horrors they experienced.
A Final Resting Place
Dana and Carmel, mother and son, now rest side by side in their final resting place. Their story, one of courage, love, and tragic loss, is a solemn reminder of the profound human cost of conflict.
Dana and Carmel Bachar 🕯️🕯️
On the morning of Oct 7, the Bachar family of Kibbutz Be’eri hid in their safe room and tried to hold the door closed while Hamas forced their way in.
The family — father Avida, mother Dana, 15-year-old son Carmel and 13-year-old daughter Hadar —… pic.twitter.com/QUdirxTqRX
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) November 5, 2023
A Call to Remember
As we reflect on the tragic tale of the Bachar family, it is a somber call to remember the countless individuals who have been affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their stories are not statistics; they are narratives of real people, their dreams, their courage, and the sorrowful losses they have endured.
May the memories of Dana and Carmel Bachar forever be a blessing, a poignant reminder of the need for lasting peace and stability in a region marked by conflict and suffering. Their story calls upon us to work tirelessly for a future where such heart-wrenching tragedies become relics of the past, replaced by hope, unity, and a commitment to protect the innocent in times of strife.