From the Liveblog of
Monday, March 2, 2026
Mourners hail Oren Katz, killed in deadly Beit Shemesh missile strike, as selfless hero
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAriela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Mourners in Beit Shemesh gather for the funeral of Oren Katz, who was killed by yesterday’s deadly Iranian missile strike, amid sirens and booms during the funeral itself.
“Your generosity cost you your life yesterday. You went upstairs to close the shelter. You will always remain with us, we will never forget you,” says Katz’s wife, Smadar, eulogizing him. According to reports, he was killed while shutting the shelter door.
“You were always a special person who cared for everyone, just not for yourself. Yesterday, you came home in the middle of your workday so we would have something to eat for lunch,” says Katz’s son, Yosef.
“I’m glad I had the privilege to eat your food one last time,” he says.
Nine people were killed and dozens injured in yesterday’s strike, the deadliest in Israel during the current conflict with Iran. Four other victims have been identified as Ronit Elimelech, her mother Sara Elimelech, 16-year-old Gavriel Baruch Ravach, Bruria Gloria Cohen and her son Yossi Cohen.
The Times of Israel Community.