Another tragedy has struck the families of survivors of the Oct. 7 massacre: Bar Bechor Asraf died in tragic circumstances at the age of 30. Asraf was a close friend of Liron Barda, who was murdered at the Nova music festival that day.
Bar's family is struggling to come to terms with the loss. "He was at our wedding and celebrated with us. He was the happiest person in the world," family members said. "He stayed overnight with us after his brother's Shabbat Hatan, the traditional Sabbath celebration held for a groom. He was so close to us. We never imagined for a moment that he would do something like this."
According to the family, Bar's younger sister asked relatives to go to the cemetery after becoming concerned that something was wrong. "Two family members went there and saw the terrible sight," they said.
The family added: "Bar had a heart of gold. He was the backbone of the entire family. There was no problem he did not know how to solve. He was the jewel in the crown." Speaking about his relationship with Barda, they said: "She was his soulmate, an amazing young woman. This happened so unexpectedly. We still cannot process it."
Barda, 26, managed the bars at the Nova festival and was murdered on Oct. 7, 2023. She left behind family members and friends who have struggled with the pain and longing ever since. According to her family, Bar and Liron were extremely close, and both lived with the same profound trauma following that terrible morning.
Bar had attended his brother's wedding only last Wednesday. Just a few days later, the family received the news of his death.
"He struggled with the loss"
Avi Barda, Liron's father, told Israel Hayom about the relationship between the two and Bar's struggle to cope with her death. "They were childhood friends. Bar had a very difficult time with the loss," he said. "He was our neighbor. We learned what had happened yesterday evening. They made sure to inform us so that we would not hear it from somewhere else. They were good friends who helped and advised one another."
Anyone experiencing emotional distress, or concerned about someone close to them, can contact ERAN, Israel's Emotional First Aid service. ERAN provides anonymous, immediate emotional support and potentially lifesaving assistance 24 hours a day, throughout the year.
For emotional support in Israel, call 1201, visit eran.org.il for online chat, or contact ERAN on WhatsApp at 052-8451201. Support is also available through its forum, email and text-message services.
