Jerusalem – Endless Tears As 7 Israeli Flood Victims Laid To Rest

Jerusalem – It was a day of incomprehensible grief as friends and family bade their final farewells to seven of the ten teens killed in yesterday’s flash floods in Israel.

Tzur Alif of Mazkeret Batya, the only boy to lose his life on Thursday’s tragic outing, was eulogized by several family members reported Ynet (https://bit.ly/2I2xdGC0).

“Just two days ago I helped you organize your backpack for the trip that you never returned from,” said Alfi’s sister Yael. “I am still waiting for someone to tell me that it wasn’t you who died.”

According to The Times of Israel (http://bit.ly/2FnxAZl), Alfi lost his life saving others from the raging waters.

“He was caught on a large rock and could have climbed to safety but he let friends climb on him to get out,” said close friend Liri Uriel. “That was Tzur. As soon as we heard there were nine girls and a boy killed, we knew it was him. If he could do it all over again, he would have done the same thing.”

Maayan Barhum of Jerusalem was remembered for her warmth, intelligence and her love of family.

“It makes no sense that we are mourning you,” said Barhum’s sister Chen. “It isn’t logical. Why do I have to bury my sister? It seems wrong but Hashem’s ways are hidden. You are an angel and he wanted you by his side. Look down on us from the heavens and watch over us. I will miss you so much. I will think about you every day. I love you so much, my beautiful little sister.”

The parents and grandfather of Maale Adumin resident Ella Or spoke of her perpetual happiness and her passion for helping others.

“We only fortunate to have you in our care, Ella Rivka for 18 years,” said Or’s father, Itzik Or. “Hakadosh Baruch Hu picks the most special blooms quickly and you were a truly unique flower. Our youngest daughter, who lit up the house. You loved Eretz Yisroel and you loved to tour our holy nation and, now, we are burying you before your time in this holy ground.”

Kobi Sadan of Jerusalem spoke of his daughter Yael, telling mourners that he said Tehillim for his family’s welfare daily, reported Mako News (http://bit.ly/2FnARIb).

“Every day I prayed that Hashem would keep my family safe,” said Sadan. “But apparently Hakadosh Baruch Hu had other plans. You can’t imagine what kind of girl she was. But everything is finished now. How can lives be cut short like this? Ended? With no reason? I won’t see my child, my daughter, that I love ever again? I love you, my daughter.”

Sadan noted that the weather seemed clear in the hours before the flood swept through the canyon in Southern Israel.

“How does something like this happen?” wondered Sadan. “Ribono Shel Olam. How is it possible that in the middle of the spring comes a storm, a storm that would take your life? There is no way of understanding this. It is unimaginable.”

In her own short life Agam Levi threw herself into volunteering, tutoring sick children in Africa and teaching schoolchildren in Vietnman.

“Our hearts are broken as we try to digest this terrible news,” said Mika Zohar, secretary of the moshav Herut, where Levi lived. “The pain is immense, simply impossible.”

Also laid to rest today were Shani Shamir of Shoham and Ilan Bar Shalom of Rishon Lezion. Funerals will be held on Sunday for Romi Cohen of Maor, Gali Balali of Givatayim, and Adi Raanan of Michmoret.
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