Bar Asraf, a survivor of the October 7 Hamas massacre at the Nova music festival, was reportedly found dead by suicide this week at the grave of his girlfriend Liron Barda, who was killed by Hamas during the attack. Israel's Foreign Ministry wrote on X that 'October 7 continues to take lives,' noting Asraf had never stopped loving Barda.
The Foreign Ministry on Tuesday evening confirmed that Bar Asraf, 30, a survivor of the October 7 Hamas massacre at the Nova music festival, died by suicide at the grave of his girlfriend Liron Barda, who was killed by Hamas terrorists during the attack. Barda had stayed behind to help others. "October 7 continues to take lives," the ministry wrote on X, noting that Asraf had never stopped loving Barda in the years since her death.
The reports of Asraf's death first emerged on Sunday, Aug 2, at 16:20 Jerusalem. Initial reports stated he was found dead on Saturday evening at the Elkana cemetery, near Barda's grave. His sister later recounted discovering his body, saying she saw him covered in blood and that her father began CPR. She also said the family had not realized the extent of his distress. Asraf had attended his brother's wedding just days before his death. The reports noted that Asraf had tried to drive toward Re'im on the morning of October 7 to save Barda but was turned back.
As The Zioneer reported on July 2, Israel marked 1,000 days since the October 7 massacre, with nationwide ceremonies underscoring the enduring trauma of the attack. The Zioneer has also tracked the ongoing psychological toll on survivors and families.
No further details regarding the circumstances of Asraf's death have been released, and no official investigation has been announced. The family's previous statements indicate that his distress was not apparent to those around him.
5 developments
- DevelopingHamas official Hamdan gives unusual interview to Channel 14, accuses Israel of Nova attack
- DevelopingTwo Israeli citizens, one a Nova survivor, arrested in Hungary on suspicion of attempted drug sale
- StrongNova festival producers laud police heroism after October 7 probe presentation
- StrongBereaved fathers confront ex-general Amidror at security conference, say his son bears responsibility for October 7
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