Current:Home > MarketsGrandson recounts seeing graphic video of beloved grandmother killed by Hamas -Quantum Capital Pro
Grandson recounts seeing graphic video of beloved grandmother killed by Hamas
TradeEdge View
Date:2025-04-09 06:02:57
Yoav Shimoni opened up to ABC News about the traumatic moment he saw a graphic video of his beloved grandmother lying on the floor of her home dying, surrounded by Hamas terrorists who posted her final moments on her Facebook for her family to see.
Just 10 minutes before militants broke into Bracha Levinson's home on Saturday at Israel's Nir Oz kibbutz, Levinson was texting her daughters, "concerned about them more than she was herself," said Shimoni, 24, who lives in Canada.
But then Shimoni's sister frantically messaged the family text group asking if they had seen their grandmother's Facebook post.
"Immediately, I went to her Facebook page. And I saw a video with her lying on her living room floor with her arms clenched on her chest, covered in blood, and blood surrounding her. A few men with guns standing above her and shouting," Shimoni said.
MORE: Timeline: A look into the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
"We all saw the video. Even my little brother," he said.
"I was freaking out, trying to make sense of what's happening. Just, like, pacing around my condo," he said. "I'm trying to call my parents, and hearing my mom screaming her lungs out to the phone when my dad is trying to, like, calm me down and try to explain to me what is happening."
The 24-year-old was in shock, he said, and also scared for the rest of his family who live in Israel.
As the day went on, Shimoni said, the family learned that not only did the militants take Levinson's and post "her dying body for us to see, but they also burned down her house and the entire community which my mom grew up in, I spent most of my summers in."
MORE: How to cope with photos, videos coming out of Israel-Hamas conflict, experts reveal
Levinson, 74, lived in Israel since she was a child after the Holocaust. She raised her children as a single mother in the Nir Oz kibbutz, where she lived the rest of her life. She was known in the community for the bicycle she always rode around as her main transportation.
"She was truly the pillar of our family, and a pillar in her community," her grandson said.
Shimoni last saw his grandmother at her home two weeks ago for the Jewish high holidays. Levinson always felt safest at her home, he said.
"There was no sense of any danger there," he noted. "Coming from the outside to that region, always you feel a bit tense, but it's always the thought of like 'OK, if there's a missile or something, then go to the shelter and we'll be safe.' Which, unfortunately on Saturday, that wasn't the case."
MORE: What is Hamas? The militant group behind surprise attack on Israel has ruled Gaza for years
Shimoni said he wants his grandmother to be remembered for her love of her family and her kibbutz.
He said he's comforted knowing his grandmother didn't have to witness "her community being torn apart."
And Shimoni said his heart breaks for everyone whose loved ones were taken hostage.
"At least I know that my grandmother is not suffering anymore," he said. "I imagine the pain that the neighbors, my mom's colleagues, and my family's friends, and all my friends are experiencing right now, with the unknowing of what happens with their loved ones that are in Gaza."
veryGood! (7)
Related
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- The Biden administration once again bypasses Congress on an emergency weapons sale to Israel
- Pregnant Jessie James Decker Enjoys Beach Trip With Big Daddy Eric Decker
- Burundi’s president claims Rwanda is backing rebels fighting against his country
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Cargo ship carrying lithium ion batteries ordered to continue to Alaska despite a fire in cargo hold
- Medical marijuana dispensary licenses blocked in Alabama amid dispute over selection process
- Rihanna and Kyle Richards Meet While Shopping in Aspen Just Before the New Year
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- States set to enact new laws on guns, pornography, taxes and even fuzzy dice
Ranking
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Argentina formally announces it won’t join the BRICS alliance in Milei’s latest policy shift
- Albania’s ex-Prime Minister Berisha put under house arrest while investigated for corruption
- Our worst NFL preseason predictions from 2023, explained: What did we get wrong?
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- 4 Social Security facts you should know in 2024
- Zac Brown and Kelly Yazdi Announce Breakup 4 Months After Marriage
- White House says meeting with Mexican president was productive, amid record migrant crossings
Recommendation
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
Matthew McConaughey shares rare photo of son Livingston: 'We love watching you grow'
Navy Airman brings his brother to tears with a surprise wedding day reunion
Kenny Albert takes on New Year's broadcasting twin bill of Seahawks, Kraken games
Small twin
Burundi’s president claims Rwanda is backing rebels fighting against his country
Jail call recording shows risk to witnesses in Tupac Shakur killing case, Las Vegas prosecutors say
Buy the Gifts You Really Wanted With 87% Off Deals on Peter Thomas Roth, Tarte, Peace Out & More