Full Breakdown
Remembering Yulia Waxer: A Life Cut Short in Service
4/17/2026, 4:18:25 AM
The Tragic Event of October 7, 2023
On October 7, 2023, Yulia Waxer, a 37-year-old police officer, lost her life during a Hamas attack at the Nova Music Festival in Israel. Yulia, who had initially planned to step back from such events, took on the shift after a last-minute change in staffing. As the attack unfolded, she demonstrated remarkable bravery, working to evacuate over 2,000 festival-goers while keeping her superiors informed of the escalating situation. Tragically, she was killed by an RPG blast while attempting to assist others.
Yulia's Background and Commitment to Service
Yulia was born on July 27, 1986, in Ukraine and immigrated to Israel with her family in 1996. Her sister, Victoria, noted that their aliyah was motivated by a sense of belonging rather than desperation. Yulia's commitment to service began early; she joined a youth patrol at 15 and later served in the police force as part of her mandatory military service. Over the years, she rose to the position of head of the Southern District operations branch’s chief of operations, where she balanced her professional responsibilities with her deep commitment to family.
A Life of Duality: Family and Duty
Yulia's life was characterized by a dual commitment to her family and her career. She met her husband, Samuel Daunov, at a club when she was 17, and they married seven years later. Together, they raised two children, Shiral and Liron, while Yulia pursued academic achievements, earning degrees in administration and business. Samuel described her as someone who was always planning and caring for her family, emphasizing that she was the center of their home.
The Final Moments
On the morning of the attack, Yulia was in crisis mode, sending urgent updates to her commander about the situation at the festival. Her last voice message to her mother expressed her determination to evacuate attendees. Despite the chaos, she continued to coordinate efforts until the moment she was killed. Samuel recounted how she had turned back to ensure a proper handover, a decision that ultimately cost her life but likely saved many others.
The Aftermath and Legacy
In the months following Yulia's death, Samuel has taken on the role of a full-time father, reflecting on the changes in his life and the guilt he feels about his previous work-life balance. He frequently visits Yulia's grave and strives to keep her memory alive for their children. At the upcoming Masa Israel Journey’s International Yom HaZikaron Ceremony, Samuel will recite “Kaddish” for Yulia, symbolizing the collective mourning of a nation for those lost in defense of the Jewish people.
Official Statements & Responses
The ceremony will honor Yulia's life as part of a broader act of remembrance, emphasizing that her sacrifice belongs not only to her family but to the entire Jewish community. Samuel expressed a desire for people to remember Yulia as a devoted family person, highlighting her dual identity as both a protector and a loving mother.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She was the center of the home,” — Samuel Daunov, Husband
- “Mom, I have more than 2,000 people to get out of here.” — Yulia Waxer, Last Voice Message
- “She always told me, ‘It’s not all about money. Family is the most important thing.’” — Yulia Waxer, Reflections by Samuel
Yulia Waxer's story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals in service to their communities and the enduring impact of their lives on those they leave behind.
