Boaz Shabo has endured a great deal since his wife and three children were murdered in a terrorist attack on June 20, 2002, and last week, his current wife gave birth to triplets, two sons and a daughter.

Boaz lost his wife and three children when a terrorist entered Yishuv Itamar in Shomron, and was left with four others, facing the painful reality of losing his wife and half his family, while having to continue addressing the needs of the other children.

Two years ago, Boaz remarried; to a woman he knew 20 years earlier. While some report he faced a dilemma, if the new marriage should include bringing additional children into the world, with Boaz already a grandfather to four, but he explained a new marriage and the new life can only be complete with new life.

He told reporters that until the 23rd week of the pregnancy they were unaware of the triplets, with ultrasound and other exams showing twins. He admits for him it was extremely emotional due to the symbolism attached to losing three children in the attack. He adds that it is bittersweet as well; bringing him back to that painful episode that completely changed his life and that of his children who remain. “Now I understand that if Hashem decided to take four tzaddikim, it was to give me a test that I must endure” he added.

On June 20, 2002, shortly after 9 on Thursday night, the terrorist infiltrated the settlement, shooting in all directions before bursting into the Shabo home. The terrorist first shot the mother, Rachel HY”D (top right), in the back. Then he shot Avishai HY”D, 5 (top, second from right), Zvika HY”D, 13 (bottom, second from right), and Neriya HY”D, 16 (bottom, third from left), as well as a neighbor, Yosef Tuito, who came to their aid. Thirteen-year-old Avia told the doctor who treated her in the hospital that she had heard her mother shout out in pain and then all was quiet.

Boaz Shabo, the father, a printer by profession, was not at home. The older children – Yariv and Atara – were also out, visiting friends.

Rachel grew up in Karnei Shomron and met Boaz, from Moshav Beit Meir near Jerusalem, 20 years ago. The Shabos were among the founders of Itamar and always welcomed newcomers, inviting them to their home for a Shabbat meal.

Rachel worked as a secretary in the nearby community of Yitzhar until a year prior to the attack. Her friends described her as an energetic and affable person.

Only a month earlier, Neriya had escaped terrorist shots in his bedroom at the yeshiva high school on Itamar, when three of his friends were killed. His pillow had been hit by bullets. Neriya’s friends said he had been a genius. Zvika’s friends described him as a righteous young man.

Rachel Shabo was buried in Itamar alongside her three sons. She is survived by her husband Boaz, and four of their children – Yariv (17), Atara (15), Avia (13) and Asa’el (8). (Ages at the time of the attack)

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)