Sasson Nuriel, 'He was so good hearted, there are no words to describe him'
Reproduction photo: Haim Tzach
'We dreamed of growing old together'
Shocked family mouns the murder of Sasson Nuriel at the hands of Hamas terrorists; attempts made to prevent Hamas video of interrogation of Sasson reaching children and wife of victim
The family of Sasson Nuriel, the Jerusalem resident kidnapped and murdered by Hamas, were shocked to see the video distributed by Hamas showing Nuriel being interrogated shortly before his murder at the hands of the terror group.
The Sasson family have gathered at the family home in Jerusalem, and have attempted to cut themselves off as they mourn. They have not turned on the television, and major efforts have been made to ensure that Nuriel's widow, Ronit, and his three children do not see the harrowing Hamas video.
On Tuesday afternoon, Ronit read out a letter to the many journalists who camped out outside her home. "I have agreed to speak about by husband Sasson, my God avenge his blood, because it's important that everyone knows who the victim was of this horror: A family man, a working man, who worked with Arabs for years, and accepted them as he accepted all human beings," said Ronit.
She showed visitors the letter Sasson had written to her on the day of their last anniversary, and photographs from the family album. "We know there are good people on all sides, but the people who this are beasts, not people. Someone who does something like, I can't call him a person. We dreamed of growing old together, but hideous creatures destroyed our dream."
Shocked family members and neighbors said little to journalists. Ronit's sister said she was trying to be restrained, and not to allow her emotions to carry her away. "It's very important not to harm the honor of the dead," she said.
"The last 24 hours have been filled with tension and sorrow, and now the family is trying to look forward. We are trying to help them, to raise this family that has gone through terrible suffering. It's not easy at all," said Avi, a family friend.
One of the family's neighbors, who asked to remain anonymous, said that the Nuriel couple were "quiet and wonderful people. They never argued with neighbors, they were really kind hearted." Her son added: "God always takes the flowers to himself. Many people praise those that have died, but in this case, this man really did have a heart of gold. I hope that God leaves no trace of these terrorist families, I hope the last of their children disappears."
A nephew of Sasson described his uncle as a wonderful person, filled with warmth. "He was the best uncle that could be, everything I asked of him he gave me. He would always give me sweets and candy. He was so good hearted, there are no words to describe him."
Knesset Member Eli Yishai (Shas) arrived at the family home in order to take part in evening prayers and to comfort the family members. His arrival increased feelings of embitterment in the family over the fact that no official government representative or the president came to visit them.
