INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Ophir Lipstein was killed by Hamas terrorists in his home Saturday.

Lipstein was the mayor of a town called Sha’ar Hanegev. In August, he visited Indianapolis and met with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, members of the state legislature, and representatives of the Jewish community of Indianapolis.

Helen Kurlander Goldstein is president of the board of directors for the Jewish Federation of Indianapolis. Her son is also in Israel, and he escaped the attacks. Kurlander Goldstein said of Lipstein, “Hamas terrorists entered his home and to protect his home, he was killed. So, this is very personal to us. As a matter of fact, we received a note from the governor, who was friends with him.”

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“My son lives in Tel Aviv. Tonight, he’s spending the night in a bomb shelter. He moved from Tel Aviv further inland because of the amount of rocket attacks that have occurred that are taking place in Tel Aviv,” Kurlander Goldstein said Saturday.

Kurlander Goldstein asked Hoosiers to support Israel by praying at their respective religious services Sunday.

“I think everyone here is in shock. This happened so quickly. The Israelis weren’t prepared. Of course, we weren’t prepared.”

Donations for victims of the attacks be made at Jewishindianapolis.org. Donations can also be made to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The images shared here of Mr. Libstein were from a visit to Indiana in August 2023. pic.twitter.com/hnIsbPim8w

— Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) October 7, 2023