The world weeps as Yahel, a 13-year-old British girl, and her mother Lianne lose their lives in an alleged attack by Hamas forces on southern Israel. The initial disappearance of Yahel following the assault on the Kibbutz Be’eri, where her mother was also tragically slain, ended on a somber note as her family confirmed her demise to BBC news.
The whereabouts of Yahel’s 16-year-old sister, Noiya, and her Israeli father Eli, remain shrouded in uncertainty as frantic efforts are ongoing to trace them.
Yahel’s family will always remember her as a spirited, adventurous teenager whose light-hearted mischief inevitably brought a sparkle of joy to all around her. In an emotional tribute to BBC News, they described Yahel as an intelligent, vivacious youth brimming with curiosity and life, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void in their lives.
The British relatives paint a vivid picture of annual family reunions marked by the sheer elation on the girls’ faces as they unwrapped their gifts. Meanwhile, those mourning the loss of Lianne celebrate the indelible imprint she left on those fortunate enough to love her and feel her love in return.
Originally volunteering at a kibbutz at a tender age of 19, Lianne’s love for Israel led her to become a permanent member of the community. Her tragic departure at 48 has left her treasured ones in deep sorrow, collectively mourning her absence.
Yahel, always seen brimming with adventure spirit, had a close bond with her uncle, Raz Matalon, Eli’s brother-in-law. Raz fondly remembers Yahel as the ‘funny one’ among the girls, and holds steadfast hope for the safety of the remaining missing family members.
Shedding light on the terrifying incident, WhatsApp messages released by the BBC depict the terror that took hold of the Be’eri community when Hamas militants began the onslaught. A chilling message from Lianne recounts hearing gunfire and Arabic shouting.
Her brother-in-law Yossi, his wife Nira, and daughters too fell prey to the horrific event. Extended family members refrained from communicating during the incident, cautious of their safety.
Seven long hours lapsed before news of the scale of the attack trickled out of Be’eri. Yossi and one of his daughters are reported to be held as hostages in this chilling event.
Reflecting on the heartbreaking revelations, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak voiced concerns for the lives of six British citizens lost and ten others currently missing. The true depth of this tragic incident is yet to be fully understood.
Rescue efforts continue, and with it the hope for many awaiting good news. The horrifying carnage claimed the lives of approximately 1,400 Israelis while numerous counter air-strikes by the Israeli military led to more than 2,700 Palestinian casualties. An estimated 500 British nationals have evacuated Israel in recent times via flights arranged by the British Government. The world waits for normalcy to return, bearing the heavy weight of the lives lost and the ones that hang in balance.
