Yahav Winner was found dead yesterday after Hamas attacked his village
Israeli filmmaker Yahav Winner was found dead yesterday in his village, Kfar Aza.
This comes after Winner was said to have gone missing the day Hamas’ attack on Israel began, on Saturday October 7.
Hamas – who are proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK and many other Western nations – invaded his village, where his wife Shaylee Atary and their one-month-old baby Shaya escaped.
Shaykee and Shaya reportedly hid in some bushes, a shed, and finally another house, according to Sky News, while Winner disappeared in the chaos.
Just before the publication was set to interview Shaykee about Winner’s disappearance, the publication reports the family received a call from the Israel Defense Force (IDF) breaking the news he had been found dead.
Since Saturday at least 1,200 have been killed in Israel while officials in Gaza say 900 people have been killed.
He was an Istaeli filmmaker who had just welcomed a child a month ago
In a statement confirming the news of Winner’s death to Screen Daily, Israeli sales and distribution company Go2Films said: ‘It is with immense sorrow that we share the devastating news that our beloved filmmaker, Yahav Winner, was found dead in Kfar Aza yesterday evening, after three days in which he was considered missing.
‘The loss of Yahav has left an indelible void in our hearts, and we extend our deepest condolences to Shaylee Atary, his wife, his family, friends, and all who were touched by his artistry and spirit.
‘Atary’s family and friends are currently gathering donations for her and Shaya, the daughter, who were left with nothing after the attack.
‘In the wake of this tragedy, we find solace in the thought of celebrating Yahav’s life and work. Yahav’s short film, The Boy, unfolds a narrative that sheds light on life in Kfar Aza, the kibbutz of his upbringing, and numerous other Israeli villages along the border with Gaza.
Israel Defense Force soldiers found his body in Kfar Aza – his village that sits close to the Gaza border (Picture: Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
‘These communities have borne the heavy weight of losses during the ongoing attacks.
‘The film won the Best Cinematography Award at the Tel Aviv International Students Film Festival and will be screened as part of the international competition at Filmschoolfest Munich.
‘To honour his memory and bravery, we are committed to screening The Boy in as many places abroad as possible.’
Go2Films will edit a new version of the film with the addition of a special introduction sharing Winner’s story.
A month ago Winner posted a poignant picture on his Instagram, with he and his wife’s hands around his daughter’s tiny foot to welcome her into the world.
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His body was found in his village, Kfar Aza.