"We were inside the synagogue in the dark for four hours. There was panic and uncertainty and all the time there were rumors," today (Wednesday) the Deputy Director of Safed Municipality, Ya'akov Hadad , told "Maariv" about the attack that happened while he was staying with his family at the Al-Jariba Synagogue in the city. Djerba in Tunisia .
"I left on Sunday night with my wife and two other couples for a roots trip in Tunisia and we arrived in Djerba on Monday. On Tuesday evening we came especially to the synagogue, to participate in an event for the occasion of the third day of Omar," Haddad said – "It is an ancient tradition of the Jews in Tunisia to come Jews from other parts of the world also come to the synagogue in Lag Ba'Omer. They light candles on a cart there, ask for wishes and mark the event."
He spoke excitedly about the attack and the difficult hours that followed: "There were security guards at the entrance gate to the synagogue compound, who checked everyone who came. We were inside the synagogue. Suddenly we heard gunshots and then yelling and pushing began. One was on top of the other and there was panic. Everyone was looking for a corner to hide , we didn't understand at first what happened. They turned off the lights and didn't let anyone out. Then all kinds of rumors started that didn't stop. Those were stressful hours and of uncertainty. We didn't know at first that it was an attack, but we heard shots and there were rumors."
Hadad also said: "We were four hours inside the synagogue and during all those hours we did not understand what happened. It was completely dark and we occupied a corner. Only after about four hours did they begin to release all the people who were in the synagogue complex. There were many worshipers there, who came from different countries of the world."
About the feelings in those hours of uncertainty in the dark, he said: "It was scary and stressful and we were in uncertainty. We didn't know what was going to happen. But we are people who believe and what needs to happen will happen. Of course we have to do our best."
Hadad also stated that he and his family continue to travel with police security. "There is security and the presence of the police and you can see that they are trying. The locals also treat us very well. They are welcoming", he summed up the feelings – "We are still very excited after what happened".
Ya'akov Hadad in the synagogue where the terrorist attack took place in Tunisia (Photo: Benny Hadad)In addition, Gadi Mazuz, the deputy mayor of Beer Sheva who knew the family, told "Maariv": "This is a very good family, they immigrated to Israel three years ago, lived in the public housing in Beer Sheva. He was an orphan of a mother, the father is devastated by the situation, very It's hard for him. They really like to help people, the salt of the land, they were only looking to come to Israel and help. Very good people. I met him for the last time on Independence Day in Beer Sheva, he went to party in Djerba and planned to return to Israel later. They are the best people I know. The late Aviel always spoke modestly, it was fun to be around him, he always had a conversation of respect. My heart hurts, he was like a brother to me."
Avi Wazan, an eyewitness in Djerba and a close friend of the late Aviel Haddad, said: "We were in the revelry complex, together with the children. I heard many shots one after the other. At first I thought it was fireworks, I didn't think it was an attack at all. I didn't agree to it. I saw everyone running away, so I quickly ran and we closed the compound, I started looking for the children. One of the people in the party helped. It was very scary. We couldn't find my friends Aviel and the late Ben Hadad. We tried to call them, even sent a message on Facebook, but as the hours passed I realized that they were no longer alive."
"The police told us to relax that no one was hurt, but at night we were informed of their death. They are golden people. They have a good heart, they were calm and happy. Me and the late Abiel grew up together, we are all one big family in Djerba. It took me a while to digest it. It is very difficult. Many families are considering immigrating to Israel following this case, since the Arab Spring the whole attitude towards Jews in the country has deteriorated," he added.
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