The First Circumcision in Bari Since October 7th: A Tribute to the Soldier Who Saved Them

Survivor’s Journey After the Tragedy

Moran and Itai Shaabi survived the horrific attack at Kibbutz Bari on October 7, 2023. During that fateful day, they fled their secure room with their children as terrorists attempted to break in, filling the space with choking smoke. They spent hours hiding in the trees, seeking safety amid the chaos. Tragically, they lost family members during the attack, which marked an incredibly dark chapter in their lives.

A Celebratory Mileststart

In a poignant display of resilience, the couple chose to hold their newborn son’s circumcision ceremony in Bari, the first such event since the attack. The ceremony took place on the previous Tuesday, signifying not only a personal mileststart but a communal step towards healing for the residents of Kibbutz Bari.

Their son was named Bar Shavit-“Bar” in memory of Moran’s parents, Yuval and Maian Bar, who were killed in the violent onslaught, and “Shavit” after Shavit Lev, a reservist from Shayetet 13 who heroically rescued them.

A Message of Hope

“It was on October 7 that they took and destroyed everything, and we chose life,” stated Itai during the ceremony. “We welcomed a baby boy and named him Bar Shavit Shaabi. Bar, in memory of my in-laws who were murdered in the brutal attack, and Shavit to honor the soldier who pulled us from the bushes and, above all, found time for humanity amid all this hell.”

The couple expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hold the ceremony at their synagogue in Bari, reaffirming their commitment to raise the next generation as a “victorious generation.”

This event stands as a testament to their indomitable spirit and as a symbol of unity and hope for the surrounding community, illustrating their determination to rebuild and persevere in the face of unimaginable loss