Chaya Salomon, 46, was killed along with her father Yosef and brother Elad inside her parent’s home in Halamish on July 21, 2017.
Chaya was the first victim of the Halamish Massacre. The family had gathered for a festive Shabbat dinner to celebrate the birth of a new baby in the family, Chaya’s new nephew. Chaya, a resident of Halamish came to celebrate, and her brother Elad, his wife Michal, and their five children also came to visit from their hometown of Elad.
The family had also invited the community to celebrate with them. So when there was a knock on the door, Chaya answered it without fear. She was stunned to discover a terrorist with a knife forcing his way inside.
The terrorist stabbed Chaya first. She immediately ran out of the house, screaming for help. An off-duty soldier heard her screams and came to the rescue, shooting the terrorist through the window.
By then, however, the terrorist had already murdered Chaya’s father Yosef and her brother Elad. Chaya also succumbed to her severe wounds.
She leaves behind her mother, who was also severely wounded in the attack, two sisters, and a brother.
Chaya was a beloved second grade teacher at the Noam HaMeiri in Lod. Shortly before the murder, she had completed her teaching duties and handed out report cards to her students. Alongside the regular report cards, she also gave each student an “alternative” report card:
“Dear student, when I give the report cards at the end of the semester, I am always reminded of another report card, almost like at school… It is given by our Father in Heaven, Who is everywhere. But instead of the regular subjects and exam grades, He gives grades in the following subjects: friendliness, patience, understanding, love, kindness, responsibility, gratitude, humility. And that other report card is important, even more than any other grade. And not just once or twice a year, but every moment that passes. Because many times during life we forget, and forget again, that being a person with good midos (good character traits) is the real test in life! Good luck, Teacher Chaya”.