Tributes pour in after death of Irish-Israeli woman Kim Damti, 22, following Hamas attack

Stephen Porzio

President Michael D. Higgins said the circumstances in which Kim Damti’s “life was taken, having travelled as she did to attend a music festival, are truly appalling”.

Tributes are being paid to Kim Damti, the 22-year-old Irish-Israeli woman who died following a Hamas attack at a music festival in Israel.

Ms Damti, who has relatives from Laois, had been missing since the attack at the Supernova music festival in Re’im in southern Israel on Saturday morning (7 October).

However, in a statement to RTÉ News on Wednesday night, her aunt Pat Cooper confirmed her passing.

Ms Cooper stated: “With heartfelt sorrow, the Cooper family announce the death of their beloved niece, Kim Damti.

“We thank all those who have supported us with love and encouragement over the past five days.

“We respectfully request the media to allow us to grieve in the privacy of our family.”

Tributes pour in after death of Kim Damti following Hamas attack

Following the news, President Michael D. Higgins said the circumstances in which Ms Damti’s “life was taken, having travelled as she did to attend a music festival, are truly appalling”.

“It is not only those of us who are parents, but all of those who feel that young people should be free to attend events with their peers in conditions of safety, who will find such circumstances where a young life is taken so appalling,” he added.

“Kim’s death once again reminds us what an outrageous breach of fundamental international law in conditions of conflict it is to target civilians in this way.

“May I send my deepest condolences to Kim’s family, friends and all those with whom she shared her life. Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam.”

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Kim Damti https://t.co/7gir8nnSSe

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) October 11, 2023

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also said that Ireland is “united in mourning” for Ms Damti.

“This vibrant young Irish-Israeli woman was struck down in her prime, with her adult life ahead of her,” he wrote.

“Her death, and the deaths of more than a thousand other citizens of Israel and from around the world, was senseless and barbaric.”

“Kim gave happiness and joy to her family and those around her. As we learn of her death, we pause to think of her, her family in Israel and Ireland and of all those now grieving in countless other nations.”

Kim gave happiness and joy to her family and those around her.

As we learn of her death, we pause to think of her, her family in Israel and Ireland and of all those now grieving in countless other nations.

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) October 11, 2023

Tánaiste Micheál Martin also wrote in response to Ms Damti’s death:

“When news reached us over the weekend that an Irish citizen was one of the many hundreds missing after the repugnant terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel, we hoped against hope that she would be found safely.

“The news that this hope has now been extinguished is devastating.

“Anyone looking at the photo of Kim in the media over the last few days will have been struck by the radiance and energy in her expression; a young 22-year-old woman with a whole life ahead of her, full of promise.

“For anyone to lose a child is devastating. To lose a child in such circumstances is indescribable.”

“On my behalf and on behalf of the Government and people of Ireland, I convey our heartfelt condolences to Kim’s family in Ireland and in Israel. We are with them in their grief. I spoke with Kim’s family earlier this evening and expressed this to them.

“Our thoughts remain with all the families of those who have died, who are injured or who are missing in the wake of these terrible events. May her memory be a blessing.”