Israeli son hails war-hero father

Big plans for a family gathering to celebrate the graduation from a Canadian college of Nadav Baharav were shattered on 7 October when the terror group Hamas launched a brutal assault on civilian communities near the Gaza Strip border with Israel.

Nadav's father, Adi Baharav, was among the first responders to the deadly attack, slain by the terrorists as he defended kibbutz Moshav Netiv Ha-Asara, an agricultural community in southern Israel where the family had lived for years.

Nadav had envisioned a graduation ceremony that would create lasting memories with his father, filled with pride and love, by his side. However, his father, unfortunately, became one of the victims in the three-week conflict initiated by Hamas.

Israel is determined to bring an end to this war and eradicate the terrorist organization.

He shared his grief on the death of his father in an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE.

Nadav said he does not feel bitterness toward the Palestinians living in Gaza, but he shared his conviction that Hamas' reign of terror must end.

"I was in Canada when we heard the news that my father was killed by Hamas at about 9 a.m. on 7 October. My father's last words to me were about the family's plans for where we would dine and stay when they arrived for my graduation. We were happy back then and were all excited," Nadav said.

He said his father was shot while trying to save civilians from the terrorists who invaded their community.

"He was one of the founders of the Moshav Netiv Ha-Asara community guards. He was also the first to respond when the Hamas forces attacked," he said.

Nadav said Hamas was able to breach the kibbutz's defenses by paragliding over the barbed wire surrounding it.

He said he did not feel vengeful, but he was heartbroken and deeply saddened by the loss of lives.

"My dad was described by everyone as fun, very giving, but extremely serious, yet loved by his friends. He was devoted to the community where he lived for a long time. He made sacrifices until his last breath, even though he was already 52," Nadav said.

"Moving on, I am getting my strength from my family, mother, sister, and aunt. Israelis are a very tight community, just like Filipino families. As a community, we try to care for each other. Even if the war destroyed our house, we still open our doors to those in dire need," Nadav said.

Worse than Islamic State

With the invasion and massacre, Nadav said Hamas, which currently rules Palestine, has proven that it is more brutal than Islamic State, another terrorist organization.

"I am not against Palestinians living in Gaza, but I think Hamas should be abolished. My personal journey to overcome my family's grief is to share our story to help people understand what actually happened — that it was not just a normal firefight, but a huge terror attack and an enormous tragedy," he said.

On the morning of 7 October, Hamas forces attacked, slaughtering civilians in various parts of Israel in a coordinated invasion codenamed "Al-Aqsa Flood," which shocked the world.

At least 5,000 rockets were launched from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip against Israel, while some 2,500 Palestinian militants breached the barrier between Gaza and Israel, massacring and pillaging border communities.

Israel Defense Forces bases near the Gaza Strip were overrun.

Over 1,400 Israelis perished, including 260 youngsters attending a music festival in Re'im, while over 200 civilians were taken hostage.