Chicago – December 18, 2023
The family of an Israeli man who fled Hamas captivity in Gaza only to be killed by confused Israeli troops buried their hero Sunday, his brothers blaming the government and military for his death.
Alon Shamriz, 26, was one of three Israelis who waved white flags at Israeli troops Friday but were shot and killed. The military blamed the heat of battle for the tragedy.
hamriz was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on Oct. 7 by Hamas militants, one of more than 240 people kidnapped and rushed back to Gaza that day. More than half remain in captivity. Many families have accused the Israeli government of abandoning their loved ones by failing to negotiate their release.
“You fled against all odds, and you did what you had to do in order to come home,” Shamriz’s brother, Ido, said, according to a Times of Israel translation. “The one who abandoned you also murdered you, after you did everything right.”
Another brother, Yonatan, promised to “shake the country” for failing to prioritize the release of hostages.
“You came out of the tunnel to the open air, you already saw freedom,” he said. “You did everything right, in the face of a ridiculous (Israeli military) chain of command, an irresponsible government, and a barbaric terror group, you overcame everything and you didn’t need anyone.”
