Uriel Baruch, married to Racheli and father of Shalev (age 8) and Ofek (age 5) from New Giv’on, spread light around him, much like his name - meaning “the light of God”. Uriel was the kind of person one would instantly connect with; radiating endless joy and wearing a smile that seldom left his face. He believed in seizing every moment in life, a true optimist.
Uriel’s brother, Idan, said about him: "He is a man of true kindness. All his life he helped those in need. If he heard a person in trouble, he would do everything and run to his aid in the physical or spiritual aspect, and did not leave it to chance until things were sorted out. He always volunteers to help, and goes out of his way to help others. A man of grace."
Fond of adventures and parties, Uriel appreciated a good party. He even met Racheli at one, dancing the night away. On Simchat Torah weekend, Uriel went out with a close friend to dance and enjoy music at the Nova trance music festival near Re’im.
On Saturday 7th of October Hamas terrorists crossed from Gaza into Israel and attacked the southern Israeli communities, including thousands of young innocent civilians who attended the Nova trance music festival. Uriel went to the festival, unaware of the nightmare that would unfold. Tragically, he was kidnapped, alive but apparently injured. He was one of the first who managed to leave the festival at the sound of the bombing alarms; however, near the Mefalsim junction, his vehicle and that of his friend, 46-year-old Michael Yoav, ran into a terrorist ambush. His family managed to hear the shouting through the phone: "Drive, drive fast, they are chasing us" before the call was disconnected. Two days later, Michael Yoav was found shot at point-blank range, inside the vehicle.
At first, Uriel was declared a missing person. Only after three weeks of uncertainty, which felt like eternity, did the family receive confirmation that Uriel had been kidnapped and taken to Gaza.
Idan added: "After Uriel was kidnapped, dozens of people came to our house, each of whom said he was their best friend. This is exactly the person he is, giving everyone the best possible feeling."

On Tuesday 26th of March, the Baruch family received the devastating announcement that Uriel was killed in Hamas captivity and remains in the hands of the terror organization.
Uriel left a wife, two young children, his parents Naomi and Amir Baruch, and three brothers. The wider family, his friends and community from near and far, were left utterly heart-broken.
Uriel's family wishes to convey the following message: "Uriel was a joyful person, loved by all, cherished by everyone around him. We will remember his smile, the love for people within him."

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