Sad News – Adi Vital Kaploun z’l
As we continue to learn of the unthinkable horrors happening in Israel, we are devastated to share with you that Adi Vital Kaploun z”l, cousin of Temple Sholom member Dr. Jason Rivers (Helen Heacock-Rivers), was found murdered by Hamas terrorists in her home on Kibbutz Holit, 2 km from Gaza.
Adi was hiding with her two children, Eshel (6 months) and Negev (3.5 years), in the safe room in their home. Negev was wounded in the attack. Both children were taken by Hamas toward Gaza with Adi’s friend and neighbour, Avitel. Miraculously, Avitel was able to make her way back to the nearby community of Gvulot with the children where they were reunited with their father Anani who was at the music festival and miraculously escaped after hiding in the barren desert.
This story was reported by Anderson Cooper on CNN Monday evening and in numerous news and media reports (graphic warning – you do not need to watch or read more to understand the horrors they were subjected to).
We send our heartfelt condolences to Adi’s parents, Jacqui (née Rivers) and Yaron Vital, siblings, Assaf, Liat, and Ayala, and their entire family. Adi’s mother, Jacqui, is Jason’s first cousin. She was visiting family in Ottawa at the time and is now trying to get back to Israel to bury her daughter and mourn with her family. The funeral will be delayed until she can return to Israel.
Though it is Jewish custom to not to say Kaddish until after the burial, the Rivers Family plans to be at Temple Sholom (7190 Oak St., Vancouver) this Friday evening, October 13, 2023, for our 8:00 pm service. We will say a special prayer for Adi’s soul, to comfort her family and all of the bereaved at this impossibly dark and horrible time. Please join us in standing with the family at synagogue if you are able. You can also join online via livestream here.
Tzedakkah donations to support families like Adi’s and the more than 1400 Israeli families in mourning (as of this writing) can be made through two suggested channels:
Israel Emergency Fund via the Jewish Federation of Vancouver
A grassroots fund organized by a friend of Temple Sholom, Mike Hollander via Rabbi Dan’s Discretionary Fund. This fund will provide immediate and direct help to reserve soldiers, families of soldiers, and civilians.
May the memory of Adi Vital Kaploun z”l be for a blessing and strengthen the resolve of our people in the face of untold terror and danger.
