Current:Home > MarketsGrandson recounts seeing graphic video of beloved grandmother killed by Hamas -Wealth Axis Pro
Grandson recounts seeing graphic video of beloved grandmother killed by Hamas
View
Date:2025-04-25 19:13:29
Yoav Shimoni opened up to ABC News about the traumatic moment he saw a graphic video of his beloved grandmother lying on the floor of her home dying, surrounded by Hamas terrorists who posted her final moments on her Facebook for her family to see.
Just 10 minutes before militants broke into Bracha Levinson's home on Saturday at Israel's Nir Oz kibbutz, Levinson was texting her daughters, "concerned about them more than she was herself," said Shimoni, 24, who lives in Canada.
But then Shimoni's sister frantically messaged the family text group asking if they had seen their grandmother's Facebook post.
"Immediately, I went to her Facebook page. And I saw a video with her lying on her living room floor with her arms clenched on her chest, covered in blood, and blood surrounding her. A few men with guns standing above her and shouting," Shimoni said.
MORE: Timeline: A look into the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
"We all saw the video. Even my little brother," he said.
"I was freaking out, trying to make sense of what's happening. Just, like, pacing around my condo," he said. "I'm trying to call my parents, and hearing my mom screaming her lungs out to the phone when my dad is trying to, like, calm me down and try to explain to me what is happening."
The 24-year-old was in shock, he said, and also scared for the rest of his family who live in Israel.
As the day went on, Shimoni said, the family learned that not only did the militants take Levinson's and post "her dying body for us to see, but they also burned down her house and the entire community which my mom grew up in, I spent most of my summers in."
MORE: How to cope with photos, videos coming out of Israel-Hamas conflict, experts reveal
Levinson, 74, lived in Israel since she was a child after the Holocaust. She raised her children as a single mother in the Nir Oz kibbutz, where she lived the rest of her life. She was known in the community for the bicycle she always rode around as her main transportation.
"She was truly the pillar of our family, and a pillar in her community," her grandson said.
Shimoni last saw his grandmother at her home two weeks ago for the Jewish high holidays. Levinson always felt safest at her home, he said.
"There was no sense of any danger there," he noted. "Coming from the outside to that region, always you feel a bit tense, but it's always the thought of like 'OK, if there's a missile or something, then go to the shelter and we'll be safe.' Which, unfortunately on Saturday, that wasn't the case."
MORE: What is Hamas? The militant group behind surprise attack on Israel has ruled Gaza for years
Shimoni said he wants his grandmother to be remembered for her love of her family and her kibbutz.
He said he's comforted knowing his grandmother didn't have to witness "her community being torn apart."
And Shimoni said his heart breaks for everyone whose loved ones were taken hostage.
"At least I know that my grandmother is not suffering anymore," he said. "I imagine the pain that the neighbors, my mom's colleagues, and my family's friends, and all my friends are experiencing right now, with the unknowing of what happens with their loved ones that are in Gaza."
veryGood! (581)
Related
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- FBI says man, woman may be linked to six human-caused wildfires in southern New Mexico
- In Washington state, Inslee’s final months aimed at staving off repeal of landmark climate law
- Police kill armed man outside of New Hampshire home after standoff, authorities say
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Harris says in first remarks since Biden dropped out of race she's deeply grateful to him for his service to the nation
- Gigi Hadid Gives Her Honest Review of Blake Lively’s Movie It Ends With Us
- Missing Arizona woman and her alleged stalker found dead in car: 'He scared her'
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- Bulls, Blackhawks owners unveil $7 billion plan to transform area around United Center
Ranking
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Here's what investors are saying about Biden dropping out — and what it means for your 401(k)
- Lainey Wilson accidentally splits pants during tour
- Pregnant Hailey Bieber Reacts to Justin Bieber Divorce Rumors
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- To Help Stop Malaria’s Spread, CDC Researchers Create a Test to Find a Mosquito That Is Flourishing Thanks to Climate Change
- Bryson DeChambeau to host Donald Trump on podcast, says it's 'about golf' and 'not politics'
- Lainey Wilson accidentally splits pants during tour
Recommendation
Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
Paris Olympics: LeBron James to Serve as Flagbearer for Team USA at Opening Ceremony
Antisemitism runs rampant in Philadelphia schools, Jewish group alleges in civil rights complaint
Tractor-trailer driver charged in fiery Ohio bus crash that killed 6
Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
Plane crash kills two near EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2024 on first day
Rachel Lindsay’s Ex Bryan Abasolo Details Their “Tough” Fertility Journey
Ivan Cornejo weathers heartbreak on new album 'Mirada': 'Everything is going to be fine'