JERUSALEM (VINnews) — BDE: Michael Katz, 82, who was critically injured in an Iranian missile strike on Haifa during Operation Roaring Lion, has died of his wounds, three months after the attack.

His wife, Nina, paid tribute to him, saying:”On that terrible Sunday, my life was shattered in an instant by an Iranian missile. I was granted the gift of a new life, and for that I thank the Creator. But from this day forward, I will live that new life as only half a person after 55 years of marriage.

“It will not be easy. I will forever miss the completeness that my beloved Michael brought to our shared life, to our children, and to our grandchildren. Michael was a warm and sociable man, full of joy, who loved life and knew how to enjoy it. Everyone who met him immediately fell in love with him. He will be missed not only by us, but by everyone who knew him.”

Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav also paid tribute: “With a broken heart, I received the news of Michael Katz’s death from injuries sustained in the Iranian missile strike. Michael dedicated his life to Israel’s security through his work at Rafael, and he was injured in his own home during a criminal attack directed at civilians in the heart of Haifa.

“For three months we accompanied his struggle for life with hope, and this morning we said goodbye with great sorrow. The city of Haifa bows its head and embraces Nina, Itamar, Yoav, and the grandchildren. We will continue to stand by the Katz family in every way they need.”