Tragedy and Simcha: Grandson Born to Terror Victims Hours After Attack

By Hamodia Staff

YERUSHALAYIM – Just hours after Rafael Ben Eliyahu Hy”d was murdered in the terror attack in Yerushalayim on Lail Shabbos, a grandson was born to him in California.

He had planned to fly with his wife to the U.S. for the bris milah, but it was not to be.

As his son Kobi, who arrived for the levaya on Sunday, said: “You and mom were supposed to come to the brit milah ceremony, and in the end, you didn’t get the chance to hold my son in your arms. Instead, I’m escorting you to the cemetery. You left a huge hole in our hearts.”

His son Matan was seriously wounded in the attack, but his condition has improved since.

Rafael’s son Or yblc”t said in a hesped: “We were with you in the last few moments. I will never forget those moments. We had to say goodbye to you while you were bleeding on the ground. I wonder what did you feel in the last few moments? What were you thinking?…Who will be waiting for me at home when I get [home] from work to have dinner with me? I didn’t believe in my darkest dreams that you wouldn’t be at my wedding.”

Rafael Ben Eliyahu was laid to rest, attended by hundreds of mourners, in the Har Hamenuchos cemetery in Yerushalayim.

He is survived by his widow Tina, along with sons Matan, Or and Kobi, yblc”t.