Vancouver resident Ben Mizrachi, 22, has been confirmed to be among the people murdered by Hamas in Israel on Saturday. .“He was gunned down while attending a music festival,” said King David High School community member Russ in a Tuesday Facebook post. .“Ben was larger than life, with a big personality that matched his size.” .Russ called Mizrachi “full of joy, had a smile for everyone, and was always there to help.” He said he was a friend to everyone and proud of his service in the Israel Defense Forces. .One of his fondest memories is being with him on the King David Grade 8 trip to Israel 10 years ago, watching him pray at sunrise atop Masada while wearing a Vancouver Canucks jersey. That was him. .Russ concluded by saying the community is mourning the passing of Mizrachi. His funeral will take place on Wednesday at 4 p.m. PDT at Kvutzat Yavneh. .“May Ben's memory be for a blessing,” he said. .Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets and sent scores of soldiers into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip in an unprecedented attack during a major Jewish holiday on Saturday, killing many people and stunning the country. .READ MORE: Netanyahu declares war on Hamas after Israeli attack kills hundreds.The Israel government confirmed it was now at war with Hamas and launched airstrikes in Gaza, vowing to set a new precedent. .Hamas soldiers are fighting gun battles inside several Israeli communities near Gaza several hours after the attack began. Israel’s national rescue service said at the time at least 250 people have been killed and hundreds wounded, making it the deadliest attack in years.
