“My Child Went for No Reason”: Parents of Boy Killed in Rishon Lezion Devastated
Tragic Incident Claims Young Life
The tragic death of 13-year-old Uri Portal, who was accidentally shot by a friend in Rishon Lezion, has left his family in deep sorrow. Emergency medical teams were dispatched to a public area in the city two days prior where they transported Uri to Wolfson Hospital in a critical state. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Family’s Heartbreak and Memories
Uri’s father, Eliko Portal, expressed his grief with the haunting phrase, “My child went for no reason.” In a poignant moment surrounded by family, he grappled with the reality of losing his son, emphasizing the innocence of what was supposed to be a simple playtime that turned into an unimaginable tragedy.
“You were an angel,” his aunt Natalie described him, as she struggled with tears. “A good boy, so intelligent and beloved by all. His captivating smile and angelic face are irreplaceable.” The family is devastated, struggling to come to terms with the loss of a child who was once celebrated for his kindness and brilliance.
Details of the Incident
The 16-year-old friend, a high school student, reportedly brought the gun to school that morning. After classes, he and Uri, alongside another friend, went to a nearby sandbank to shoot the weapon when the unfortunate accident occurred. “This shouldn’t have happened,” remarked Eliko, reiterating the senselessness of the loss.
The tragedy struck while Uri’s mother, Maayan, was en route to a trip abroad. She returned home late the previous evening, only to face the devastating news. The family will gather for Uri’s funeral today at 12 PM in the local cemetery.
Broader Impact of Gun Safety
The incident raises critical concerns over gun safety and access, particularly among young people. While grief permeates the family’s home, questions linger unanswered, and the heartache continues to resonate deeply within the community.
“There was so much love surrounding him; this is an unbearable tragedy,” Natalie added, emphasizing the need for accountability and awareness regarding such incidents. Another aunt, Shani Zahavi, expressed similar sentiments, describing Uri as a “charming boy” whose absence will be felt profoundly by all who loved him.
As the Portal family navigates this profound loss, they remain in search of truth and healing in the wake of their heart-wrenching loss