Assaf Mordechai Adberg

On that Saturday, Assaf attended the Nova festival with his partner, Stav Barazani. "They were planning to tie the knot; their relationship was filled with joy," shared Stav's mother, Sarah.

Assaf and Stav met during their military service and served alongside each other. Tragically, they were both killed together, their bodies discovered one next to the other.

A friend of the family, Galit, told Ynet, “Assaf, eternal child, I've known you since you were 4 years old. Always smiling, laughing and doing nonsense. He loved life, had many friends, and always had fun while others grumbled. He would receive everyone with a beaming face. I will forever remember you with the playful smile and the great light you spread around you.”

Limor David, Assaf’s high school teacher in Hadera, recalled: “Assaf was my ‘baby’, such a beautiful boy with a blond crew cut. Assaf had an amazing and warrior-like mother, a real powerhouse who raised children to be proud of, ensuring they received a good education. I remember Assaf as a pleasant-mannered boy, respectful, who participated in all activities. He was a quiet kid with a heart of gold. I also taught his younger brother Itai, and am in touch with him. Itai has been fighting all this time, despite Assaf being missing. The brothers had a great bond. I always hoped that some miracle would happen and he would be found alive somehow.”