Tributes Paid To Irish-Israeli Woman Kim Damti

Tributes have been paid to Irish-Israeli woman Kim Damti, who died following an attack by Hamas operatives at a music festival in Israel last weekend.

The 22 year old's death was confirmed by her family, after her whereabouts could not be accounted for at the Re'im Festival, which took place in the south of the country.

"With heartfelt sorrow the Cooper family announce the death of their beloved niece, Kim Damti", her aunt Pat Cooper said. "We thank all those who have supported us with love and encouragement over the past five days". 

Ms Damti's sister Laura also paid tribute to her, adding, "With great sorrow and gloomy grief, I announce the killing of our angel, our flower, Kim my blood, who was murdered by the cursed terrorists". 

Maurice Cohen, the Chairman of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, also said that the Jewish community are "in mourning". 

He also said her death "underscores the urgent need for peace and the inherent value of human life". He also insisted that the attacks do not represent the principles of peace, and co-existence. 

He stated the the house of Oireachtas  "unequivocally condemn" the recent actions of events in the country, adding, "Anything else could be perceived as tacit approval". 

"truly appalling"

After her death was confirmed, President Michael D Higgins, and Tánaiste Michéal Martin led the tributes to Kim Damti.

"It is with the greatest sadness that I have heard of the death of the young Irish-Israeli citizen Kim Damti", President Higgins said in a statement. "The circumstances in which her 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". 

"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". 

"full of promise"

Elsewhere, Michéal Martin also paid a moving tribute to Kim Damti, adding that he had spoken to her family to share his condolences. 

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

Ms Damti had a "whole life ahead of her full of promise", he continued.  "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". 

"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".