Authorities have released all the names of the nine people killed when a ballistic missile launched from Iran struck a residential area in Beit Shemesh, marking the deadliest single strike in Israel since the current conflict with Iran began.

The missile leveled a shul and caused massive destruction to a public bomb shelter located beneath it, along with severe damage to nearby homes. In total, nine people were killed and more than 40 others were wounded when the estimated 500-kilogram warhead made a direct impact.

Those killed included three teenage siblings, a mother and her adult daughter, a mother and her adult son, a 16-year-old boy, and a man.

The Beit Shemesh attack was the deadliest missile strike inside Israel during the ongoing hostilities. A day earlier, Philippine national Mary Anne Velasquez de Vera, 32, was killed in a missile strike in Tel Aviv.

The IDF said the Israeli Air Force is investigating why the missile was not intercepted. Air defense systems were activated, but for reasons that remain unclear, the interceptors failed to bring down the projectile before it hit its target.

Even during some of the funerals, as victims were being laid to rest, additional missile fire from Iran forced mourners to seek shelter once again.

Ronit Elimelech, 45, and her mother, Sara, were among those killed in the strike. Elimelech volunteered with United Hatzalah, and emergency crews responding to the scene discovered her medical vest and equipment among the debris.

According to a statement from United Hatzalah, Elimelech and her three children had been visiting her parents’ home in Beit Shemesh. When sirens sounded, they entered the public shelter beneath the shul, which was later destroyed in the blast.

Rescue teams pulled two of Elimelech’s children from the rubble and transported them to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Yerushalayim with light to moderate injuries. A third child was not hurt, and Sara’s husband was also located unharmed.

“Ronit joined United Hatzalah after her young son asked her to volunteer as his birthday gift. I met them personally, and they hold a very special place in our hearts,” Eli Beer, president of United Hatzalah, wrote on X before Elimelech’s death was formally announced.

He later shared how her son Itamar, who is autistic, had requested on his 11th birthday that his mother become a volunteer. “Itamar was so proud of his mother,” Beer wrote.

Among the victims were siblings Yaakov Biton, 16, Avigail Biton, 15, and Sara Biton, 13. Hundreds attended their funeral Monday night. Their father described the moment the missile struck, calling it a “tremendous explosion,” according to Hebrew media. He said his first instinct was to protect his youngest daughter.

Drawing a parallel to the Torah account of the Akeidah, he said, “Avrohom Avinu bound one son, I bound three. I bound my son Yaakov, my daughter Avigail and my daughter Sara. God wanted to take these holy souls.”

Their grandmother, Lilian, remembered them as “pure children who only knew how to do good. They grew up in a home of only good and happiness and love of country.”

At the funeral, according to Arutz Sheva, she cried out, “Creator of worlds, these holy children have come to you. Bring redemption.”

Oren Katz was also identified by the Beit Shemesh municipality as one of the victims. He is survived by his wife, children, and a brother, according to a local news report.

He was buried Monday. During the funeral, his son Yosef delivered a eulogy, saying, “You were always a special person who cared for everyone, not only yourself.”

“Yesterday you came home in the middle of the workday so we’d have something to eat for lunch. I’m glad I had the privilege to eat your food for the last time,” he said. “You told us we were your reason for living.”

Sixteen-year-old Gavriel Baruch Ravach was another victim identified by municipal officials. According to a local outlet, his father had previously contributed to and been involved in building the very synagogue that was destroyed in the same missile strike that claimed his son’s life.

Bruria Cohen was killed together with her adult son Yosef. A Beit Shemesh news site reported that Yosef was widely known in the community for his devotion to caring for his mother.

{Matzav.com}