FAQ

Missouri Mother Sacrifices Her Life to Save Son During Hamas Attacks in Israel

A tragic incident has unfolded in Israel, where Deborah Matias, a brave mother from Missouri, lost her life while shielding her 16-year-old son during the recent Hamas attacks. According to reports from CNN, Matias and her husband were unfortunately killed in the violent assault.

Deborah Matias, who was born in Boone County near St. Louis, displayed immense courage and selflessness in the face of danger. She shielded her son from harm, doing everything in her power to protect him during the attack. Matias’s father, Ilhan Troen, who teaches at Brandeis University in Massachusetts, expressed his grief and admiration for his daughter’s actions. He revealed that they were on the phone with Matias as the tragedy unfolded, providing support and comfort until the very end.

The ordeal lasted for an agonizingly long period, with Matias’s son, Rotem, forced to hide for twelve harrowing hours. He sought refuge under his mother’s body before finding a place to escape under a blanket. Troen emphasized the extreme difficulty his grandson faced during this time, as he had to remain silent and communicate only through text messages for fear of discovery. Eventually, Rotem’s hiding place was discovered, and he was rescued, but not before his phone battery had dangerously dwindled to just 4%.

The loss of Deborah Matias serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of conflicts around the world. Her courageous act of sacrificing her own life to save her son’s is a testament to the unwavering love and dedication of a mother. As the world mourns the lives lost in this tragic event, we must also strive for peace and understanding, hoping for an end to such senseless violence.

Who was Deborah Matias?

Deborah Matias was a mother from Missouri who tragically lost her life while shielding her son during the Hamas attacks in Israel.

What happened to her son?

Deborah Matias’s 16-year-old son, Rotem, was also shot during the attack but managed to survive after hiding for 12 hours. He was eventually rescued and brought to a hospital for medical treatment.

How did they communicate during the attack?

Due to the danger posed by the attackers, Rotem was instructed not to speak. Instead, he communicated with his family through text messages to ensure their safety.