Israeli filmmaker found dead as his four-week-old baby and wife escape amid Hamas attack-Kitty Chrisp-Entertainment – Metro

Yahav Winner was found dead yesterday after Hamas attacked his village

Israeli filmmaker Yahav Winner was found dead yesterday in his village, Kfar Aza.

This comes after Winner was said to have gone missing the day Hamas’ attack on Israel began, on Saturday October 7.

Hamas – who are proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK and many other Western nations – invaded his village which sits not far from Gaza, where his wife Shaylee Atary and their one-month-old baby Shaya escaped.

Shaykee and Shaya reportedly hid in some bushes, a shed, and finally another house, according to Sky News, while Winner disappeared in the chaos.

Just before the news channel was set to interview Shaykee about Winner’s disappearance, it reports the family received a call from the Israel Defense Force (IDF) breaking the news he had been found dead. 

Since Saturday at least 1,200 have been killed in Israel while officials in Gaza say 900 people have been killed.

At least 140 Palestinian children have been killed by the Israeli military as they launched revenge on Gaza over the weekend, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

He was an Istaeli filmmaker who had just welcomed a child a month ago

Hundreds of Israelis have also been abducted as Hamas attacked towns and villages, as well as opening fire on a music festival.

This weekend’s major development comes amid decades of conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The Gaza strip – in which Palestinians are confided to by the Israeli government – is one of the most densely populated places in the world.

In a statement confirming the news of Winner’s death to Screen Daily, Israeli sales and distribution company Go2Films said: ‘It is with immense sorrow that we share the devastating news that our beloved filmmaker, Yahav Winner, was found dead in Kfar Aza yesterday evening, after three days in which he was considered missing.

‘The loss of Yahav has left an indelible void in our hearts, and we extend our deepest condolences to Shaylee Atary, his wife, his family, friends, and all who were touched by his artistry and spirit.

‘Atary’s family and friends are currently gathering donations for her and Shaya, the daughter, who were left with nothing after the attack.

‘In the wake of this tragedy, we find solace in the thought of celebrating Yahav’s life and work. Yahav’s short film, The Boy, unfolds a narrative that sheds light on life in Kfar Aza, the kibbutz of his upbringing, and numerous other Israeli villages along the border with Gaza.

Israel Defense Force soldiers found his body in Kfar Aza – his village that sits close to the Gaza border (Picture: Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

‘These communities have borne the heavy weight of losses during the ongoing attacks.

‘The film won the Best Cinematography Award at the Tel Aviv International Students Film Festival and will be screened as part of the international competition at Filmschoolfest Munich.

‘To honour his memory and bravery, we are committed to screening The Boy in as many places abroad as possible.’

Go2Films will edit a new version of the film with the addition of a special introduction sharing Winner’s story. 

A month ago Winner posted a poignant picture on his Instagram, with he and his wife’s hands around his daughter’s tiny foot to welcome her into the world.

Celebrities including Gal Gadot, Jamie Lee Curtis and Amy Schumer have posted messages of support for Israel since the Hamas attacks over the weekend.

Gigi Hadid has been praised for giving a balanced statement over the horrendous scenes witnessed in the conflict.

She and her sister, Bella, are of Palestinian origin, and Gigi said her thoughts were with ‘all those affected’ by this ‘unjustifiable tragedy.’

She continued: ‘If you are hurting as I share my condolences today with my loves ones, both Palestinian and Jewish, I’m sending you my love and strength – whoever and wherever you are.

‘There are a lot of complex, personal and valid feelings, but every human deserves basic rights, treatment and security; no matter their nationality, religion, ethnicity or where they were born.

‘I know my words will never be enough or heal the deep wounds of so many, but I pray for the safety of innocent lives, always.’

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