Hananel Gaz Announces Engagement After Shomron Terror Tragedy

Hananel Gaz announced Thursday in the yishuv of Brochin in the Shomron that he is engaged to Maayan, months after his pregnant wife, Tzeela Gaz, was murdered in a terror shooting attack while on her way to the hospital to give birth.

On May 14, 2025, terrorists opened fire near Brochin, striking the Gaz family vehicle. Hananel was lightly wounded in the attack. Doctors performed an emergency Caesarean section and delivered the baby in critical condition.

The infant, later named Ravid Chaim, fought for his life for two weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit at Schneider Children’s Medical Center in Petach Tikva. He died at 15 days old and was buried beside his mother at Har HaMenuchot cemetery in Jerusalem.

The name Ravid Chaim had been chosen by Tze’ela before her death. Family members said it reflected her path in life as a woman who consistently chose faith, optimism, and life. In the weeks after the attack, a commander involved in the operation against the terrorist visited Gaz. The officer shared the same name as the infant, Ravid Chaim, a coincidence that stunned those present. According to reports at the time, the meeting was emotional, as the two embraced and spoke about the child whose name they both carried.

During the mourning period, Gaz spoke publicly about faith despite suffering. In one interview he said: “If the Holy One put me in this situation, perhaps I have strength here to strengthen all of Israel in faith and confidence.”

Following the tragedy at the time, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “There are no words that can console the murder of a newborn baby together with his mother. The heroism of the pioneering settlers in Judea and Samaria and their devotion of spirit is what will defeat all our enemies. Land, do not cover their blood.”

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, said at the time: “We demand a Zionist response: more construction in memory of Ravid and Tze’ela. We will stand with the family always.”

The IDF later confirmed that the terrorist responsible for the shooting was eliminated and additional suspects were arrested.

Months after the loss of his wife and newborn son, Gaz has now announced that he is building again. Residents of Brochin described the engagement as a powerful expression of resilience and continuity.

In the words often repeated in moments of rebuilding: “Boré Olam be’kinyan” (בורא עולם בקניין) — “The Creator establishes through acquisition.”