Bar Asraf hy”d, 30, was found dead Shabbos evening at the grave of Liron Barda hy”d, his childhood best friend who was murdered by Hamas terrorists at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023.

Asraf was discovered at the cemetery in Elkana, located in the Shomron. His sister Lihi told Israeli news outlet Walla that the family found him after growing concerned when he ran off alone to a place they knew he often visited to feel close to Barda. Magen David Adom responded to the scene.

Barda, 26, worked as bar manager at the Nova festival in Re’im. According to her father and multiple reports, she had the chance to flee when the attack began but chose to stay and give first aid to the wounded until she was tragically murdered herself.

Family members describe Asraf and Barda as having been “soulmates since childhood.” Asraf reportedly tried to reach Re’im during the attack to get to her but was turned back before arriving, then spent three days with her family awaiting news of her fate.

In the nearly three years since, Asraf remained close with the Barda family, visiting regularly, bringing her mother flowers.

His family says he had appeared happy in the days before his death, including at his brother’s wedding just three days earlier, and is asking that his struggle and the broader toll on those close to Nova’s victims, not only direct survivors be recognized. “The friends of those who were murdered are also victims of the tragedy,” his family said.

Yehi Zichro Baruch.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. In Israel, ERAN’s hotline is 1201.

Amudim offers confidential crisis support for the Jewish community at: 646-517-0740.