Batsheva Unterman HY”D, 33, was one of three fatalities in Wednesday’s terror attack. The bulldozer struck her vehicle, killing her instantly, apparently due to a head injury. 4-month-old Efrat was found aside the lifeless body of her mother, unaware of the dangers that loomed. It took a few moments for rescue personnel to evaluate the situation, but they soon realized the painful reality, the young mother was dead and alongside her, an infant who will never know her mother. They were unable to open the vehicle due to the damage caused by the bulldozer, but they report Efrat remained calm, only beginning to cry after they gained entry and unbuckled her, and picked her up – perhaps aware of the strange hands replacing mom’s warm embrace.

For three hours Udi Unterman, Efrat’s husband, waited at her parent’s house until eventually, he was reunited with Efrat, who was transported to Shaare Zedek Hospital. Efrat was transported by EMTs to the hospital and for hours, her mother was sought until it became apparent Batsheva was not among the survivors.

Only after Udi embraced his young daughter did he permit himself to fall apart, showing the emotion, pain and anguish that was now his life. Shortly thereafter he handed Efrat to his in-laws, realizing the most difficult task is still ahead, to identify the body of his wife.

In the morning, Batsheva took Efrat to the HMO. After they left, she strapped her into her car seat and began driving, unknowingly, to become a victim of the lone terrorist and his lethal bulldozer.

MDA volunteer Jeremy Aaronson, 20, from England, was among the first on the scene. He described the scene, explaining when he opened the door; Batsheva was covered in blood from her massive head injury. Efrat seemed to be occupied with the toys placed on her car seat by her mom when they left the HMO a short time earlier.

When the bulldozer struck the fatal blow, Ido was at work in Bank Leumi. He did not hear about the attack. His cellular telephone was turned off. Social workers at Jerusalem City Hall tried to contact him, without success.

Batsheva’s parents heard about the attack, realizing she was in the area, and tried to contact her. Her cell phone was not responding. They became concerned, but tried to think positively. In the meantime, Efrat was in the emergency room of Shaare Zedek Medical Center, where the staff tried to locate her parents.

Ido is the grandson of Rav Isser Yehuda Unterman ZT”L, a late Ashkenazi chief rabbi and noted Godol B’Torah.

The young couple was seriously looking into buying a home in Beit Shemesh but now, Ido will bring his late wife to her eternal rest. The levaya is scheduled for Thursday morning at 11:30 in Har Menuchos.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)