Shoshan Haran

Freed November 25, 2023

At 67 years old, Shoshan, along with her extended family, became victims of a violent incursion that led to the kidnapping of ten family members, including herself, and the destruction of their home in Kibbutz Be'eri. Before this tragedy, Shoshan's life was marked by her commitment to alleviating global hunger through her NGO, Fair Planet, which distributed seeds across Africa to empower impoverished farmers and combat food scarcity.

Shoshan's dedication to her humanitarian work was influenced by her deep-rooted family values and the legacy of service exemplified by her grandparents and parents. Her family's background, with her grandparents being doctors who fled Nazi Germany and contributed significantly to medical care in Jerusalem, instilled in her a sense of purpose and a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world.

The kidnapping and the subsequent uncertainty surrounding Shoshan and her family's fate cast a shadow over the remarkable work she had been doing. The potential expansion of her project to Bhutan, discussed with the country's prime minister, highlights the international recognition and potential of her efforts to make a substantial difference in the lives of many.

Shoshan's personal qualities, described as intelligent, funny, and sharp, alongside her husband Avshalom's nurturing nature, paint a picture of a couple deeply invested in the well-being of their community and beyond. The fond memories shared by their family members, including the simple joys of playing with the children and gathering around a bonfire, underscore the profound sense of loss felt by their loved ones and the community at large.

Shoshan was released on November 26th. Her husband Avshalom was found to have been killed in the terror attack, with his body identified on October 17th.