Michael Katz Succumbs to Wounds Three Months After Iranian Missile Strike

Michael Katz, an 82-year-old resident of Haifa, passed away today (Wednesday) after being critically wounded when an Iranian missile struck his apartment building on April 6. Katz was rescued from the rubble, rushed to the hospital, and fought for his life for three months.

Katz celebrated his 82nd birthday in May. He worked for decades at Rafael, where he contributed to Israel's security and was awarded the prestigious Rafael Prize. He is survived by his wife, Nina, his sons, Itamar and Yoav, and six grandchildren.

His wife, who was lightly injured in the missile strike, paid tribute to him:

"On that terrible Sunday, my life was shattered in an instant by an Iranian missile. I was granted the gift of a new life, and for that my thanks go to the Creator of the World—but from this day on, I will live that new life as only half a person after 55 years of marriage. It will not be easy, and forever I will miss the wholeness that my beloved Michael brought to our shared life, to our children, and to our grandchildren. Michael was a people person, full of joy, who loved life and knew how to enjoy it. Everyone who met him fell in love with him immediately. He will be missed not only by us, but by all who knew him."

Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav also expressed his condolences:

"With a broken heart, I received the news of the death of Michael Katz following the Iranian missile strike. Michael dedicated his life to the security of the State of Israel through his work at Rafael, and was wounded in his own home in a criminal attack targeting civilians in the heart of Haifa. For three months, we accompanied his fight for life with hope, and this morning we said goodbye to him with great sorrow. The city of Haifa bows its head and embraces Nina, Itamar, Yoav, and the grandchildren. We will continue to stand by the Katz family in every way needed."

The missile strike that hit Katz's apartment building also claimed the lives of four members of the Gershovitz family: Lena, 68; her husband, Vladimir, 73; their son, Dima, 42; and their daughter-in-law, Lucille, 29.

The six-story building sustained a direct hit, with its lower three floors completely destroyed. According to reports, the victims were on the lower levels when the sirens sounded. The nearest protected space was located outside the building, requiring residents to leave their apartments and make their way to the shelter. The elderly couple reportedly struggled to reach it in time.