One year after Hamas' devastating attack, an Israeli mother is still grappling with grief.

In late September, Sigal Shemer visited the cemetery in Lod, Israel, to clean her son's headstone and lay flowers on his grave.

On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists murdered Ron, Israel's eldest son, during an early morning attack on southern Israel that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the kidnapping of more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities' estimates.

Almost 365 days after the initial incident, there are still approximately 101 hostages being held in Gaza, including seven Americans, according to numbers compiled by Planet Chronicle.

In an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, Sigal discussed the lasting effects of her son's death on Oct. 7, one year later.

Despite the trauma that has significantly impacted her life and her family, she has discovered comfort and optimism through the Jerusalem-based nonprofit OneFamily, which provides assistance and resources to individuals affected by terror. Through its outreach initiatives, the organization has become a vital source of support, aiding her in coping with her grief while honoring her son's memory, amid a backdrop of persistent violence and loss.

During the Nova music festival in Re'im, Ron and his friends were running to a car to escape the gunshots and the unfolding horror.

The 23-year-old decided not to leave without his two close friends. He opted not to get into the car and instead went to look for Dan and Omar. Soon after he found them, the trio went inside a shelter not far from the festival.

His mother told Planet Chronicle Digital that he had told a friend, "Don't be afraid. I will attack if someone comes in. I will attack them, and I will take care of you." However, terrorists dropped three grenades into the shelter.

Omar survived while Dan was killed and Ron was taken outside, where he was heard fighting and struggling with Hamas militants. His family feared he had been taken hostage as he wasn't heard from for days.

Sigal stated that a week after, there was a knock on the door, and they informed us that Ron is not alive because the army and police shot him in the head.

The mother of two, who is survived by her husband Oren and younger son Bari, took a moment to remove her glasses and wipe away the tears from her eyes, as the death of her son is still palpable and raw.

Ron was remembered by Sigal as a youthful individual who cherished individuals and creatures, enjoyed traveling, and had a penchant for assisting others.

He was a counselor at a Jewish youth summer camp in Pennsylvania, where he taught children Muay Thai, a form of boxing and the national sport of Thailand.

The Shemer family has been visiting all of Ron's favorite places in the United States since his murder.

Sigal worried about Ron's safety during his 10-month trip to South America before Oct. 7.

"She expressed her fear that something would happen to him because of the danger in Brazil, Colombia, and the Amazonas. She urged him to come home, stating that it was not safe there. However, when he returned, she realized that it was not safe in their current location either. She shared her concerns with Planet Chronicle Digital, stating that terrorists and monsters had entered the country and caused harm to innocent people through killing, murder, rape, and burning."

"I believe there is no life," she stated on the 7th of October.

Prior to "Black Saturday," Sigal was an event producer. Now, she works two days a week taking care of dogs, a job she does to cope with her grief after leaving her job.

"She informed Planet Chronicle Digital that her son and the murdered boys and girls on October 7th are lost to the world. Many Israelis lost their sons and daughters without any reason, she said."

A Way Forward

The Holocaust was the last time the Jewish people experienced such a devastating attack, and many families have received support from OneFamily Fund in the aftermath.

Naomi Nussbaum, executive director of OneFamily, shared with Planet Chronicle Digital how they employ various therapy methods to assist families in dealing with the grief of losing a loved one.

Our support services include emotional, financial, and legal aid. We have significantly increased the amount of financial aid we provide due to the devastation caused by the attack on October 7th.

"OneFamily's heart and soul is the social network, which is the most insidious and difficult part of dealing with PTSD caused by terror attacks. Traditional therapy with psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and trauma-informed therapists is also available to tackle PTSD in all categories."

Sigal has spoken with mothers whose children were killed and acknowledged that it's challenging, but it's beneficial to connect with someone who is also dealing with a similar tragedy and experiencing the same stages of grief.

Nussbaum stated, "We're like lifelong professional friends. The other group members who we'll place her with will also be there. She can call anyone at any time for dinner, a walk, a birthday, or an anniversary of a death. They'll always be there for each other."

"OneFamily welcomes people back to life with open arms and a lot of love, providing them with the courage and strength to smile again and take joy in simple pleasures like going out to dinner. Despite the guilt, grief, and bereavement that may be too overwhelming, OneFamily helps people find the strength to move forward and live again."

Over the past 11 months, Israel's conflict with Hamas has resulted in the deaths of more than 41,000 Palestinians, including over 6,200 women and 11,300 children, according to a State Department spokesperson who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

The Gaza Ministry of Health, which is run by Hamas, does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its tally.

Approximately 2 million people are estimated to have been displaced in Gaza, which accounts for nearly 90% of the population, according to the United Nations. Additionally, 495,000 people are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity.