Hadar Simcha Hatuel

Memorial of IDF casualties and victims of terror attacks of Gush Katif
Hadar Simcha Hatuel
Daughter of Tali z"l and David

Date of Birth: 22.4.1995

Place of residence: Katif

Place and date of death: Shot by Arab terrorists on the Kissufim road, 2.5.2004

Place of burial: Ashkelon cemetery

Age at time of death: 9

Survived by:  her father

Life Story

Hadar was born in Ashkelon to David and Tali Hatuel. She was her parents’ second daughter, a sister for Hila Esther, Roni Sarah and Merav Rachel. She was raised in the Katif community in Gush Katif and attended the Atzmona elementary school for girls.

Hadar was smart and capable of great self-restraint. She was industrious and loved helping others. Her friends found her a source of strength and encouragement, and she was a positive example in her behavior.

On Sunday, the 2nd of May, 2004, in the early noon, Tali Hatuel and her four daughters drove in the family car on their way from Gush Katif to the center of the country to take part in a demonstration against the Disengagement Plan, which was being voted on that day in a Likud referendum. As they exited Gush Katif, two Arab terrorists opened fire at the car. After Tali lost control of the wheel and the car turned over, the terrorists approached the vehicle and shot Tali and her four daughters to death.

Hadar was 9 years old at the time of her death. She was buried in the Ashkelon cemetery next to her mother and three sisters.

In a booklet published in the Hatuel’s memory by the Gush Katif regional council and the Atzmona school where 3 of the girls learned, it was written about Hadar:

“Hadar – you were glorious and splendid, a unique type of nobleness, pleasant and charming in your ways. Our Hadar loved learning, and especially loved learning Torah, the prophets and other religious subjects. She successfully completed every learning task, and did so happily. She kept her books and notebooks neat and in order. She prayed with feeling and kavana, and loved saying Psalms. Hadar, your whole entity wished to elevate G-d’s name….”