Dear family and friends.

In the midst of this bloody war, which has touched practically every Israeli on some level, we have found ourselves personally involved.

On the morning of October 7, Amy's son, Itamar (Our nephew), his girlfriend, Agam, and their friends attended the nature music festival near Kibbutz Re’im, during which a missile attack on southern Israel began. They sought refuge in a shelter, which became a death trap for many .

Hamas terrorists threw grenades into the shelter and unleashed a barrage of bullets from AK 47 automatic weapons. Itamar and Agam both sustained gunshot wounds. Agam was shot in her foot and Itamar was shot in the arm. They witnessed the cold-blooded murder of many of the shelter seekers, including two of their friends, while another one of their friends was dragged out and taken hostage. For hours, Itamar and Agam hid under dead bodies and body parts desperately trying to survive, both of them wounded and bleeding, as  they waited in the shelter to be rescued, still surrounded by terrorists. 

 

In the shelter before the attack

Itamar and Agam in the shelter after the attack

A video of Hamas terrorists attacking the shelter where Itamar and Agam took refuge :

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyRkDbioyuS/?

 

After 7 long hours, they were evacuated from the war-zone and taken to hospital where Itamar's arm was operated on. A second operation was necessary because a nerve and a central artery were severed, three tendons were torn and one of the forearm bones was shattered. In addition, large metal fragments from the grenades were removed from Itamar's forehead, face and back. Itamar also is suffering from partial hearing loss due to the grenade explosions and gunfire.

 

Itamar arriving at the hospital

Itamar and Agam at the hospital

Reunited with Mom and Dad

 

Itamar after surgery 

 

 

Itamar is at the early stages of a long rehabilitation process, which is made more challenging as he and his family have been displaced from their home while the war is still raging. In an effort to allow Itamar to continue his rehabilitation at the hospital, the family requires lodging closer to the hospital, having a safe room for protection against missile attacks and invasion by armed terrorists. 

Needless to say, Itamar and my family are traumatized and need your help.

We are humbly reaching out to you in order to help ease the burdens and suffering felt by our family as a result of these senseless acts of terror. If you are able, please help us in collecting funds for the costs involved to support the physical and emotional rehabilitation that my family so desperately needs during these trying times. Please also share this link and story with whoever you think might want to contribute and assist the family in these difficult times. 

We thank you in advance for your caring and assistance.

With love and prayers for happier days for the Shapiras, for all the victims of this heinous attack and for the State of Israel,

Audrey and David

(Itamar's Aunt and Uncle)