(haipo) - The difficult night that befell the State of Israel with the missile attack from Iran took a heavy toll on the city of Tamra, and the Khatib family – one of the well-known families in the Haifa District Bar Association – lost four of its daughters. Manar al-Qassam Abu al-Hija, her two daughters Shada and Hala, and her sister-in-law Manal – were killed yesterday, Saturday, 14/06/2025, from a direct hit by a missile in the family home in Tamra.
Shada, the daughter of the deputy chairman of the Haifa District Bar Association, Attorney Raja Khatib, was an outstanding law student at Haifa University. Along with the girls, the wife of Attorney Ihav Khatib, Attorney Raja's brother and a member of the Ethics Committee of the Haifa Bar Association, was also killed.
The disaster shook not only the city of Tamra, but also the entire legal community. But a heavy burden fell on members of the Bar Association, academics, and Arab and Israeli society in general.
Missile hits one of Haifa's leading legal families
The Khatib family is considered one of the most prominent families in the Haifa District Bar Association, and its representatives hold senior positions in the bar. Attorney Raja Khatib, deputy chairman of the district, and Attorney Ihav Khatib, a member of the ethics committee, are known for their professional quality and contribution to the legal community. The missile fired last night directly hit the family's home in Tamra and caused the deaths of four women from their family - Manar, Raja's wife; Shada and Hala, their daughters; and Manal, Ihav's wife.
Shada Khatib – a law student whose aspirations were cut short by Ivan
Shada Khatib, Raja's daughter, was a second-year student in the Faculty of Law at the University of Haifa.
She was a research assistant to Dr. Rabia Assi, and was described as a promising student. The obituary published by the University of Haifa administration stated: "Shada was a promising and well-liked student and we mourn her tragic and untimely death. The University of Haifa mourns the death of her mother, Manar, her sister Hala, and her relative Manal, who were killed with her in the attack. We share the family's deep sorrow."
The announcement expressed the shock that prevailed at the university, which had to deal with the loss of a valued student who was just starting out.
Testimony from the classroom: Prof. Itamar Mann, talks about Shada
Prof. Itamar Mann, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, shared a moving personal memory about Shada Khatib, who studied with him in his first year of law. "When Shada participated in a class discussion," he wrote, "she surprised me with her clear and quick answers. To the point that I asked with a smile if she would like to teach in my place. Her quick answer, 'Yes, maybe in a few years,' showed her great ambitions." According to him, she received the highest grade in the class and left a deep personal mark. His words emphasized not only her academic abilities, but also her quiet, curious and wise character. Her death, he said, is "a heavy blow to all of us."
Response from the Chairman of the Haifa Bar Association
Attorney Shadi Saroji, Chairman of the Haifa District Bar Association, today mourned the women who were killed. "Tonight we lost Manar, Shada and Hala, the wife and daughters of Raja Khatib, deputy chairman of the Haifa Bar Association, following the missile strike on Taibeh. Raja's brother, Attorney Ihab Khatib, lost his wife, Manar Diab Khatib, in the attack."
He added that "the two brothers are a very significant part of the Bar Association, we share in their deep grief." Sruji noted that this is an especially difficult day for the city and the entire legal district, and also expressed shock at Simha's public reactions to the women's deaths.
A message of hope amidst loss
Despite the heavy loss, there are also voices of hope, especially from among academics.
"If Shada symbolized anything," said one of the lecturers, "it was the possibility of a common, legal, curious life. She wanted to be a lawyer, she wanted to change – not just her life, but reality." Her death – and the deaths of her sister, mother and aunt – will not be forgotten, and perhaps from this painful place, a call for a more sensitive society, one that loves life, and is committed to true justice, will emerge.
Haifa mourns the death of Manar Abu al-Hija Khatib, a teacher at Al-Karma School
The Haifa Municipality and Mayor Yona Yahav express deep sorrow and great pain over the death of teacher Manar Abu al-Hija Khatib, her daughters Shada and Hala Khatib, and their relative Manar Fakhri Diab Khatib, as a result of a missile strike in the city of Tamra. The Secretary General of the Teachers' Union, Yaffe Ben David, and her deputy, Edna David, also joined the eulogies and expressed deep sorrow over the death of Manar, who was a respected and beloved educator at the Haifa Al-Kerma Elementary School.
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav spoke with the school staff this morning, saying: “This tragedy is heartbreaking. We have lost not only a wonderful educator who was a unique role model, but also precious daughters and a family member, whose lives were cruelly cut short. The Haifa Municipality stands by the educational staff, the families and the entire community at this difficult time. We will remember Manar forever. May their memory be blessed.”
Shock from online reactions: Cries of joy spark investigation
Beyond the sadness, the disaster sparked terrible reactions online – when the missile appeared to hit Tamra, photos of cheers were uploaded, against the backdrop of the victims' gender and national identity.
Attorney Sruji responded to this firmly: "I have no doubt that anyone who rejoices and is enthusiastic about the murder of innocent people should be questioned by the police, and I don't understand how it's possible that they haven't been reached yet."
Bar Association Chairman Adv. Amit Bachar: "We will stand firm in brotherhood and solidarity"
The response of the Chairman of the Israel Bar Association, Attorney Amit Bakr, to the deaths of the four women from the Khatib family – Manar, Hala, Shada and Manal – expresses the deep pain of the legal community in Israel in the face of this unprecedented tragedy. The four women, all of whom are close relatives of attorneys Raja and Ihab Khatib, who were killed by the deadly missile strike.
Attorney Bachar emphasized the severe loss when he said that "words fall silent in the face of this heartbreaking tragedy." According to him, the Israel Bar Association mourns their deaths and will provide the families with any assistance needed, both from the national bar headquarters and through the Haifa district. He emphasized the need for social unity in times of national crisis, noting that "the enemy's missiles do not distinguish between blood and blood, and do not distinguish between Bat Yam, Rishon LeZion, Tamra or any other place in the State of Israel." From a position of public and state responsibility, Bachar called on the public to refrain from rants and demonstrate human sensitivity toward the victims, regardless of religion, gender or sector.
Some of his remarks focused on the outrageous response that arose on social media near the time of the attack: "At a chilling and disgusting time, expressions of joy were published yesterday about missiles falling on the Tamra settlement, apparently seconds before the deadly missile hit that destroyed the family of our friends, Attorney Raja and Ihab Khatib." According to him, these are expressions that are contrary to the values of the State of Israel and the Bar Association, and they are in complete contradiction to any basic moral idea.
Bachar emphasized the importance of striving for broad civic partnership, concluding with a firm call to continue "on a shared path of solidarity and brotherhood between all levels of Israeli society" while maintaining hope for better days.
The police told Lai Pa:
Upon learning of the video that was distributed on social media, a variety of operations were launched to locate those involved.
So sad, may their memory be blessed🙏
Shocked by the terrible disaster
Heartfelt condolences and strength to the family.
May their memory be blessed.
Beautiful women inside and out, deep sorrow for such a tragic loss,
Apparently most of the celebrants reacted out of ignorance, they didn't realize that these were precious civilians, but rather thought that this had happened to a hostile Arab village. Please don't give this a platform, the pain is great! We will focus on comforting the family.
What a disaster, may their memory be blessed. The scoundrels (from whatever side) who take joy in such human tragedies should be removed from society and from points of influence.
right
May his memory be blessed, a great loss, condolences and a hug to the family, may you know no more sorrow.
First, may you rest in peace from heaven. Your pain is the pain of all of this people, regardless of religion, race, gender, or nationality.
I hope you rise from the pain and create a life that will reward you.
I am a great shame for anyone who glorified this crime, and I firmly believe that there is no connection between us, except that we share the same piece of land.
Be strong!
Very sad, and shocking! May their memory be blessed!!!
I am a religious Zionist Jew, (not belonging to the religious left)
Strongly condemns all expressions of joy in the killing of every human being created in the image of God. This is the law.
It is true that we hear shouts of joy over the killing of Jews, and this too is serious and wrong.
But we must not generalize, there are extremists in every sector and each case must be judged on its own merits - anyone who glorifies the killing of innocent and honest people must be brought to justice.
Etc. Anyone who encourages or collaborates with people/groups/organizations that support crime/terrorism should be prosecuted.
There are good and bad people in every group and sector.
But generalization is not allowed.
right
To the Khatib family. I share your deep sorrow for your unbearable loss. The enemy does not distinguish between religion and religion, between races and genders. We all share a common fate in this country.
I share in the family's grief. My condolences. Very sad.
Very sad, may their memory be blessed.
I share in the grief of the city of Haifa, but let the Israeli Arabs know now that they go out in song and dance when Jews are harmed here, the missile does not distinguish between religions... We are not animals like you and we will not go out in revelry like you over bloodshed.
Were they in the dimension?
May they rest in peace, Amen, Amen.
heartache,
We, the sane ones, share in the mourning of the families in Tamra.
I wish the killing would end.
We are a bereaved family and know what the pain of loss is. The pain of losing two daughters, a wife and a sister-in-law is indescribable. When I heard about the disaster, I couldn't stop crying. Our hearts go out to the father and brother, sharing in their deepest sorrow. As for the inhumane reactions of stupid people, unfortunately there are some, and if they weren't there, our world would be a better world of brotherhood and peace.
Joining the response
Very sad. My condolences to the family and hope they will never know any more sorrow.
I am also very sorry for all those evil commenters and the content of their words. You may be Jewish, but your faith is not my faith and you are definitely not brothers/sisters in my people!!!
Sad and terrible. We all live together in the same country. A family that contributes so much to Israeli society. We share your grief.
And shame on people like Yinon Magal, who, at the smell of blood, who is not a pure Jew, mercifully, immediately seizes the opportunity for disgusting incitement against the Arabs of Israel. How terrible.
What a terrible loss, my heart is broken😢💔😭. A terrible price for a human life that is cut off by their enemy in war. May you rest in peace🙏.
The price of blood of every person injured in this difficult war is very unfortunate and painful. I share the deep sorrow of the family. Rami Bossi
An unbearable disaster.
May we know only good days in Israel and everywhere.
May the memory of all those killed be blessed.
Very sad 😢 May you rest in peace from heaven 🙏🏻
Indeed, great sorrow for all those killed in this war.
But some questions:
1) They didn't have time to reach the dimension?
2) Didn't they go from complacency?
3) There was no dimension in the house even though it looked like a private house (you can't legally build a private house without a dimension)?
My heart breaks for a family that has been destroyed.
Khatib.
Supports the dictatorship of the Supreme Court.
In the High Court,
Without constitutional balance or check,
Without limit of governmental power,
Without constitutional restraint,
Without public oversight and without transparency,
Without taking responsibility for decisions,
Without subjection to state laws.
Whether he is Jewish or Arab,
Supports dictatorship.
It is mandatory to oppose dictatorship!!!!
Where do you get this data from?
All who are merciful to the cruel will eventually become cruel to the merciful. Thus will your enemies, O Lord, perish.
Who told you that the victims are "cruel"? Every Arab is a terrorist?..What's the difference between you and the haters..the chosen people, Alaaq..
The parade of hypocrisy of the weak Jew. Which of them condemned the 2500 murdered in the siege, and the 250 kidnapped? Which of them called on Hamas to release them? Those standing under the cover of the missiles shout and cheer and broadcast locations to Iranian and Hezbollah channels. Where are all the officials? Where is the condemnation? Do they have secret WhatsApp groups? Did you know? Every business that doesn't rise has an address for it. And these are only for Jews. Only pity! For my people. You are just waiting for a day of command.
You made a mistake in the address Michal, so you need to read the entire article to know how and what to write. Hatred is blind and resentment leads to bitterness.
Who said they are cruel? In our religion there is no commandment to hate, nor do our haters. The only reminder that we are obligated to do is remember what Amalek did to you.
The law is that Esau hates Jacob and not vice versa!!!
Please do not use unfounded statements.
Sending condolences to the family, a terrible and terrible disaster. A family of contribution, diligence and action. The despicable behavior of those involved in the celebration of Eid must be condemned.
I didn't read the expressions of joy over the injury to Tamra, and I don't want to know who was happy, but it's clear to me that as long as our racism doesn't disappear and become silent, such phenomena will continue...
Seeing the father talk about his family is simply heartbreaking, loss is loss and we participate and strengthen the families, so that you will not know any more sorrow🙏😢
It is worth examining how the people of Tamra behaved in the guarding of the walls, who committed lynching, and what the mayor's views were in those days not so distant from us.
And I didn't hear that the residents of Tamra sent condolences to the people of Beit Yam on Shabbat.
Sad, heartache, knee…
My heart burned. I saw them and cried. A whole life cut short in an instant!! Everyone who is happy for the world should be stopped.
Stop all those psychos, both from the sector that rejoiced on 7.10 and from us who responded now!! Not selective enforcement
Stop all those lunatics!!!,
May their memory be blessed!😭
Stop yourself, psycho. I have sons in Gaza, stop for what? You refuse to participate in hypocrisy. He comforted Jews whose sons fell in Gaza? Or in missiles. Go and hospitalize yourself.
The right-wing, nationalist and traditional Jewish public is very hurt by what is being said in the country, that the legal system has taken over the country. I don't know how old the girl was who studied law. But there is a terrible injustice when it comes to academic studies: While a Jewish Israeli is obliged to do 3 years in the army, the Arabs, almost all of them, go straight to academia. In other words, they get a gap in their favor over those who serve and risk their lives in the army. A law needs to be enacted, so that an Arab/anyone who has not served in the army (and it doesn't matter what) will have to go through a 3-year cooling-off period if they want to study at an academic institution in the country, which means almost for free. Or they will go to college and pay high tuition. Without the possibility of paying full tuition to the university and studying there. And this has professional implications for the future.
What is the connection between the scroll you wrote and the disaster that happened? Even the non-right-wing and non-religious Jewish public serves in the army, so it is enough to attribute the debts to the state to "right-wing religious Jews"...
Our children in the army and they are affirmative action! At the age of 17 they are already in the Technion. Quiet occupation of key positions. The work of elimination will be left to the mob with a million weapons in the sector of the people who love peace and patience. Who celebrated the 7/10/23 videos in every writer and on every platform! Including the educated among them. Share in their grief? Absolutely not! Sorry that it falls on us. On them? Free
Many condolences to the father and the family and to all of us. To the entire family of the man who lives in Israel with a beating heart that hurts greatly for your loss. I hope you can find the strength to strengthen yourselves and continue a bright and good life alongside the terrible pain.
sad
Regrettable. Very regrettable that the woman and daughters were killed. Condolences to the family. May you never know any more sorrow.
When you were happy with Idanou, did you also call to investigate the matter?
And no, I don't support happiness for no reason.
Pain is pain..
But don't be a hypocrite!
A dog bites a person...not interesting!
A man bit a dog?.. Super interesting!
May their memory be blessed…! May comfort from heaven be with the family…!
A terrible tragic disaster. My condolences to the family.
We are all human beings and the loss of the life of the lawyer's wife and daughters, one of whom is continuing his career and excelling in law school, a younger daughter and his brother's wife. The grief is very heavy.
THB
A difficult disaster for all of us.
my condolences
Great sorrow for the loss of all these good women.
may them rest in peace
What a terrible, sad pain that is truly indescribable.
How sad, my heart is really broken.
Every victim is unfortunate…..
My heart hurts!
So unnecessary!
May their memory be blessed!!!
Israeli Arabs need to understand that this is the best place for them, with democracy and freedom of speech. They need to understand that Israel's enemies spare no means and are not interested in race and nationality, Jewish, Christian, Muslim. From their perspective, it is about eliminating Israelis. The time has come for Israeli Arabs to make a noise in the world against Arab countries that try to harm us and not cooperate with them, and to hold demonstrations and cheer whenever Israel is harmed by attacks and missiles.
Quality people with roots for the benefit of our country.
Sharing in the family's pain
I didn't read about the roots in the article. But you may have known the girls. I just regret that the Arab population receives a 2-year advantage over Jewish Israelis, most of whom serve in the army for about 3 years and arrive at the academy 3 years later.
Sad, sad, a great disaster
I share your deep sorrow. May you know no more sorrow. The missiles from Iran do not distinguish between Jews and Arabs.
A great disaster
And indescribable sorrow
my condolences
A terrible disaster. May their memory live on.
A terrible disaster. My heart is broken.
Khatib family, we stand by you and support you in your difficult time.
May the memory of the murdered women, Manar, Shada, Hala and Manal Baruch, be blessed.
A special beauty
heartache.
I share the family's grief.
But heavy, impressive women, my heart goes out to their family and the entire city of Tamra… I hope they are the last victims… I share your sorrow🙏😥
Heartbreaking. A beautiful family goes like this. No words.
I share the family's grief in the terrible disaster that befell you. My heart goes out to you.