Yonatan Samerano

“Yonatan is one big party,” says Ayelet Samerano, the mother of Yonatan Mordechai Samerno, with endless longing for her son: “Yonatan loves to create, produce, and most of all, fill the room with joy.” Yonatan, known for his contributions to the vibrant parties of Tel Aviv, left a mark on the city's cultural scene. Many artists in the art and music scene credit their success to him and had been praying for his safe return, so he could continue to celebrate life as he cherished so much.
Yonatan attended the Nova music festival near Re’im with friends. On Saturday morning, October 7th, during the Hamas terrorist attack on the festival site, Yonatan disappeared and all contact with him was lost.
Tragically, 58 days after Yonatan was declared kidnapped, his family received the devastating news that he had been murdered in Hamas captivity.
At a conference in Geneva, coinciding with the UN Human Rights Council session on February 26, 2024, Ayelet, Yonatan's mother, delivered a poignant speech. She revealed to the world the kidnapping footage of Yonatan, who had attended the Nova music festival and was murdered in the massacre. His body was taken by a social worker of the UN agency, UNRWA. "The UN kidnapped and murdered my son" she declared. She questioned how the UN could compensate someone who treated her son’s body in such a manner, taking him to Gaza as if he were a prize. She further inquired if the UN still possessed her son's body.
Yonatan left behind his grieving parents, Ayelet and Kobi, and a brother, Yair. His memory will be cherished and remembered as a blessing by those who knew him and were touched by his spirit and joy.

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Yonatan was kidnapped by Hamas, and later his family was informed that he was murdered.
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