Rocket attack victim was planning engagement, factory employed special needs workers

A cousin of Zaher Bashar says the 32-year-old victim of a rocket attack in Kiryat Shmona today was planning to propose to his partner in the near term, and had been his family’s breadwinner.

“Seven years ago, his father died and Zaher became the family’s lifeline. He worked hard to support his family. Everyone relied on him and for them he was a father, brother and son,” Dr. Majed Bashara tells Ynet.

Bashar was working at the Alon paper goods factory when it was hit by a rocket, setting the building on fire. Workmate Dovrat Ohana tells the news outlet that Bashar worked as a driver for the company.

“It’s a small factory, very much like a family, we’re really a small crew. Workers at the factory are high functioning special needs workers,” Ohana says. “Zaher was the soul of the factory, did everything, helped everyone, loved everyone. This is a loss.”