Brandeis Professor’s Relatives Die in Israeli Hamas Attack

On Oct 8, 2023

TL/DR –

Ilhan Troen, a professor emeritus at Brandeis University, lost his daughter and son-in-law during the Hamas attack on Israel. Israeli soldiers retaliated against the Hamas fighters, leading to the destruction of buildings in Gaza and raising fears of an expanded conflict; the fighting led to over 600 deaths in Israel and 300 in Gaza. Israel has officially declared itself at war, and the U.S. is currently verifying reports about American casualties.

Massachusetts Professor’s Family Killed in Hamas Attack, Northeastern University Students Safe

A Massachusetts professor, Ilhan Troen, tragically lost his daughter and son-in-law in a recent Hamas attack on Israel. The emeritus professor at Brandeis University in Waltham shared with NPR correspondent Daniel Estrin that they died trying to shield their son in a secure room. “They were all together… they covered his body, and he was saved. Yet, a bullet penetrated them and went into his abdomen,” Troen told Estrin.

In a related development, Northeastern University in Boston confirmed the safety of three of its students currently on a co-op in Israel. “Our global security operation is in contact with our students. We provided resources and assistance and are helping them evacuate,” a university spokesperson stated.

Israel Battles Hamas Amid Fears of Broader Conflict

Israeli forces engaged Hamas militants in southern Israel, retaliating with strikes that leveled Gaza buildings. In northern Israel, a fleeting exchange with Lebanon’s Hezbollah raised the possibility of an expanded conflict. The clashes persisted for over 24 hours after an unexpected Hamas attack where militants, backed by thousands of rockets, breached Israel’s security and ravaged neighboring communities. The attack left a staggering 600 people dead in Israel, the highest toll in decades, and over 300 casualties in Gaza.

Hamas militants took captives, including women, children, and the elderly, back to the coastal Gaza enclave, possibly to exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced efforts to confirm reports of American casualties or missing persons.

Israel Declares War Against Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the nation at war, promising to impose a heavy toll on its adversaries. The Security Cabinet officially declared Israel at war, authorizing “significant military steps”.