Allison Tells Shahar’s Story

By Allison Teitelbaum Gross (reprinted from the Jewish Standard-Times of Israel)

I didn’t know Shahar Tzemach personally. His sister-in-law is a good friend of mine, but that is not the only reason why I want to tell his story.

I want to tell his story because his bravery and heroism remind me of our people’s greatest strength. We are all connected, and we are all there for each other, no matter whether we are best friends or we’ve never met.

Shahar lived his entire life as a hero. Aside from being an amazing husband to Ofri, and father to Ella, who is 4, and Neta, 2, he was a son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. He was also part of the small security patrol for Kibbutz Beeri.

When Hamas began the brutal massacre on Kibbutz Beeri, Shahar went out to fight. He fought until he had no more ammunition, then took the ammunition from his wounded friends who were being treated but could not continue to fight.

He continued the fight.

The battle lasted seven hours. Shahar fought until he was completely out of ammunition, which is when he was killed by Hamas.

Shahar was able to save the lives of many, and his bravery and heroism, along with the bravery and heroism of the whole kibbutz patrol team, will forever be remembered. I am heartbroken for his family, and I feel we must share his story and remember him, and his love for his family and his home.

May his memory always be a blessing.