Yosef Twito

June 20, 2002 - Yosef Twito, 31, of Itamar was murdered while coming to the aid of the Shabo family when a terrorist entered their home in Itamar, south of Nablus, and opened fire.

Shortly after 9 on Thursday night, the terrorist infiltrated the settlement, shooting in all directions before bursting into the Shabo home. The terrorist first shot the mother, Rachel, in the back. Then he shot Avishai, Zvika, and Neria, 16. On hearing the gunshots, Yosef Twito, in charge of the security team, raced to the Shabo house to help, but was gunned down by the terrorist inside.

Twito, the son of Professor Elazar Twito of Elkana, was a first-grade teacher at Elon Moreh and was devoted to children. He worked with youth in distress in the Samaria regional council. Ahuva Shilo, spokesperson of the council, said that Yosef succeeded in reaching the hearts of many of the youths and helped them.

Yosef Twito was buried in Itamar. He is survived by his wife, Rachel, and their five children - Yardena (8), Elinor-Simcha (6), Nahal-Elazar (4.5) Bat-Nadiv (2.5) and Sar-Shalom (4 months).