|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Sderot, Israel — Natalia Demidova, a 39-year-old woman from Odesa, Ukraine, was killed by Hamas terrorists in Sderot on October 7 while visiting Israel with her 12-year-old son, Mark. The attack occurred as the two were traveling with Shalom Tzaban, Demidova’s boyfriend, who also died in the assault.
According to a report by Haaretz, Demidova and Tzaban met several years ago when the Israeli firefighter visited Ukraine.
Since then, Demidova had traveled to Israel multiple times, with this visit intended to spend the holiday season together. She arrived in late September 2023, bringing her son along to strengthen their bond as a family.
On the day of the attack, the trio left Tzaban’s home in Sderot, heading toward Kiryat Gat. Tzaban planned to drop off Demidova and her son at his brother’s house before returning to Sderot to assist in rescue operations amid the ongoing rocket fire from Gaza.
However, as they drove through Sderot, Hamas gunmen ambushed their vehicle, opening fire. Both Demidova and Tzaban were killed in the attack.
Mark, who was wounded but survived, managed to escape from the car. Despite his injuries, he ran to seek help and was taken in by a Russian-speaking woman who treated his wounds.
Members of Tzaban’s family later retrieved him, ensuring his safety amidst the chaos. After receiving medical attention, Mark was eventually sent back to Ukraine to reunite with his father.
The tragedy underscores the indiscriminate nature of the violence that erupted during the attacks, which left numerous civilians dead and many more injured.
Demidova’s story has since been highlighted in Ukrainian and Israeli media, drawing attention to the cross-border impact of the conflict.
The Ukrainian consulate in Israel expressed condolences to Demidova’s family and condemned the attack, reiterating its support for Israeli efforts to restore security in the region.
Ukrainian officials have also coordinated with Israeli authorities to facilitate the safe return of Mark to Odesa, where he is now under the care of his father.
Demidova’s death is part of a broader toll that has shaken communities both within Israel and abroad, as families mourn the loss of loved ones in the ongoing conflict.
