Benjamin Haddad, a 42-year-old French-Jewish businessman, lived a life deeply intertwined with his faith and community. Tragically, his life was cut short in a senseless act of terror near the ancient El Ghriba synagogue on the Tunisian island of Djerba during the annual Jewish pilgrimage, an event that draws thousands from around the globe, including Europe and Israel. Benjamin, along with his cousin Aviel Haddad, fell victim to this brutal attack that aimed to shatter the peace and unity of this sacred gathering.
Benjamin's commitment to his heritage and community was evident in his participation in the pilgrimage, a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Jewish people. The attack, occurring amid celebrations on or around Lag b’Omer, a time of joy and communal gathering, marks a poignant contrast to the violence inflicted upon Benjamin, his cousin, and the security personnel who were also killed in the assault. The loss of Benjamin, remembered by relatives as having been murdered "in cold blood" just before entering the synagogue, has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him and in the broader community that mourns his untimely departure.
His life, though taken too soon, reminds us of the preciousness of peace and the importance of standing together against hate and violence. Benjamin Haddad's memory will be honored by those who continue to seek harmony and understanding in a world too often divided by differences. His tragic end, along with that of his cousin and the Tunisian security officers, calls upon us to remember and strive for a future where such acts of terror are no longer a threat to the innocent.