Shani Louk, 22: German-Israeli partygoer had 'a huge heart'

Shani Louk, a 22-year-old Israeli-German whose kidnap video by Hamas terrorists reverberated around the world, was officially declared dead on October 30.

Louk attended the Supernova music festival near Re’im on October 7 when Hamas terrorists stormed the rave, killing over 350 people and kidnapping many others.

Video circulated around the globe depicting an unconscious Louk lying in the back of a truck as Hamas terrorists paraded her around. For weeks her family clung to the hope that she was alive, and information circulated that she was being treated in a hospital in Gaza.

But on October 30 her family was informed that Louk’s death had been confirmed after a piece of her skull had been identified. Reports indicate that Louk was likely dead before or shortly after she was brought into Gaza. On May 17, 2024, the IDF revealed that her body had been recovered by troops from Gaza and brought back to Israel for burial.

Nissim Louk, her father, told Channel 13 news that the family was glad to at least find some closure.

“We know she is dead, we know she didn’t suffer, we also know a minute before the murderers came she was dancing, she was happy, she prayed, she went wild, with all her friends around her, and she had fun,” he added.

Her brother, Amit Louk, told Sky News that his sister was full of love and creativity.

“She loved music. She loved tattoos. She was an artistic person by nature,” he said. “In the way she was talking and the way she was moving. In the way she danced… There was no dark side, only pure angel.”

Shani’s mother, Ricarda Louk, told i24 news that the family will remember her in her happiest moments.

“She was a loving person with a huge heart, she had many friends,” Ricarda said. “She was an artist, she liked to travel, [learn new] languages, people all over the world, she loved to dance and music.”

“She was peace-loving and she had so much ahead of her. But she did live a good life, she was happy, and that’s the way we want to remember her.”