Tragic Update: Two Residents of Kibbutz Bari Confirmed Dead After 39 Days of Uncertainty
After 39 days of uncertainty, the fate of two residents of Kibbutz Bari in the Gaza Strip has been determined. The tragic news comes after the murderous Hamas attack on October 7, which left the fate of Liel Hezroni, 12 years old, and Vivian Silver, 74 years old, unknown. It has now been confirmed that both individuals are no longer alive.
Liel Hatzroni was considered the only missing girl from the events of October 7 until yesterday. Her twin brother Yanai, her grandfather Abia Hezroni, and her aunt Ayala Hezroni were all murdered by Hamas terrorists. Kibbutz Bari announced that a funeral for her aunt Ila and a farewell ceremony for Liel will be held this Wednesday (November 15) at Kibbutz Revivim.
Vivian Silver, on the other hand, was one of the founders of the Ajik organization for Jewish-Arab partnership in the Negev, and a central activist in the Women Making Peace organization. Contact with her was cut off on October 7, and she was defined as a kidnapper until now.
The Ajik organization paid tribute to Vivian, stating, “We prayed for 38 days, from the moment we lost contact with her on the terrible Saturday of October 7th, to another end. Vivian, who founded Ajik and for many years was a co-director of the organization, accompanied the organization and its work even after she left and was a member of its executive committee and was active in it until her last day. She was a woman of peace and worked to achieve it in countless ways.”
The organization also extended its condolences to Vivian’s family, friends, and acquaintances, promising to continue her path to an equal and just Arab-Jewish partnership.
The community is left mourning the loss of these two individuals and grappling with the impact of the tragic events of October 7. As the families and loved ones of Liel and Vivian prepare to say their final goodbyes, the community stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time.