Shani Louk is dead. She was kidnapped by Hamas from a festival
10:51 AM EDT, October 30, 2023
Shani Louk, a 22-year-old Israeli-German citizen, became a known face worldwide following her abduction during a Hamas attack on Israel. She was kidnapped from a music festival and thrown into the back of a car, an event which was horrendously recorded and posted on the internet by the terrorists. Although her family hoped she was still alive, on Monday, Shani's mother and sister announced her tragic demise.
The Jerusalem Post confirmed on Monday the death of Shani Louk, who is believed to have been kidnapped amid the Hamas attack on a festival in Reim.
Shani's sister, Adi Louk, confirmed the sorrowful news of her untimely death on social media, "It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of my sister" she wrote on Instagram Monday morning.
Regrettably, we received the news that my daughter is no longer alive yesterday," shared Ricarda Louk, Shani's mother, with the German news agency DPA. The Israeli military reportedly informed her about the tragedy.
However, specific details regarding the discovery of Shani's body remain unknown. The Jerusalem Post alleges the finding of "the base of the woman's skull," later verified through DNA tests.
Shani's last known location was at an electronic music festival, one of the first targets of Hamas militants. An internet video circulated showing an unconscious woman in the back of an SUV, identified by Shani's mother as her. The disturbing video featured armed militants, celebrating around Shani who lay helpless at their feet, with men jeering and spitting on her.
From the start, it was suspected that Shani had been mercilessly murdered by the terrorists. Until recently, her fate had been unknown. "I still hoped that she survived and was alive somewhere," said Shani's bereaved mother, "We have nothing else to hold onto. So, I'm trying to believe."
Shani’s sister also held onto the hope that her sister was alive, "My sister is in Gaza with a severe head injury, along with dozens of other elderly people, women, men, and children who urgently need treatment! The strongest response we get from Israel is silence. We demand action and answers!" she wrote earnestly two weeks ago.