Naama Mualem, 28, of Sde Nahum, was murdered by Hamas terrorists while fleeing the Supernova music festival on October 7.

A middle child, Naama is survived by her brothers Raz and Shay, and her parents Rachel and Roni.

Friends who attended the festival with Naama said that when the shooting started, they fled for their car and started to speed off back to Rishon Lezion. Gunmen in a passing car opened fire on the vehicle and as Naama and her friends in the backseat ducked down to dodge the gunfire, a single bullet pierced the trunk and the backseat, hitting Naama in the back, her mother said.

Ynet reported that less than a year ago, Mualem was certified as an attorney and opened her very own practice in Rishon Lezion. That shouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone — at her funeral, her mother said that Naama “grew up in a family of attorneys and it was natural for her to continue on that path. She loved it and she had a talent for it.”

Rachel added that “she was a girl with a well-developed sense of humor. She loved life and was surrounded by friends. I spoke to her for the last time on Friday evening, and my husband spoke to her at 6:46 in the morning [on October 7]. She said, ‘Dad, they’re shooting at us, we’re leaving for Rishon.’ And he told her, ‘Drive safely.’”

Rachel said that in her bedroom, Naama had pasted inspirational quotes on the walls, including “Devour life in big bites, because life is now.”

A high school teacher of hers wrote online: “Naama the beautiful and brilliant. My beloved student. Even with all of your assertiveness and intelligence, you were so humble. You were loved by all of your friends and you always fought for justice for all. It was obvious that you would study law. You were destined for a glorious career in the halls of justice.”

Her friend Gal spoke of a nightly ritual at Naama’s apartment, where they would sit in the living room “talking about life, watching movies with tons of popcorn, arranging socks and wondering where all the other socks in the drawer disappear to.”

She added that “you were an illuminating light. You always knew to say exactly the right words, to hug, to counsel, to strengthen me and support me in every step I took. You always knew how to adapt yourself to every person and situation and you caused every person to love you.”

Her bother Raz said that while Naama did not leave behind a will, “what we must do now is to continue to spread the light that she cast all around her, for her family, her friends, and everyone who needs that light during these days.”

In an Instagram post dedicated to Naama’s memory, she can be seen with her friend Tzlil, dancing at parties, drinking wine at a picnic, and goofing off with a rolling suitcase at the airport in that way people do on the way to a departing flight to parts unknown.

Her friend wrote of the hours and hours they spent talking on the phone, and how Naama was always — always — there for her.

“We have so many stories and in all of them — we took care of one another. How could it be that I wasn’t there to protect you at the party? Probably there’s a better party somewhere up there and you… are doing what’s best for you. Have fun, sis, and don’t forget that when the party’s over, we’ll meet again.”

Source: The Times of Israel