The mum of two British-Israeli sisters who were shot dead in a drive-by shooting in West Bank died today after she was critically injured in the same attack last Friday. Lucy Dee, 45, had been left in a coma after the suspected Palestinian gun attack.
Lucy had been travelling with her daughters Maia, 20, and Rina, 15, to the Sea of Galilea for a holiday when the horrific attack was launched last Friday.
The two younger victims, who held joint British-Israeli citizenship, were buried yesterday in the settlement of Kfar Etzion, in front of their father and three siblings.
During an emotional eulogy at their funeral, Rabbi Leo Dee asked: « How will I explain to Lucy what has happened to our two precious gifts, Maia and Rina, when she wakes up from her coma? »
The family had moved to Israel nine years ago from the UK, where Lucy’s husband had served as a rabbi.
Hadassah-University Medical Center confirmed the tragic news that Lucy (also known by her Hebrew name, Leah) had also died today, saying: « Teams fought for her life over the past few days, in the trauma unit, the operating room and the intensive care unit where she was treated ».
The three were driving in the Jordan Valley in the northern West Bank when they were shot.
According to investigators quoted by Israeli media, their vehicle crashed, and gunmen went up to the car and opened fire on the women at close range. Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that 22 bullet casings were found.
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Rabbi Dee told the BBC he had been further ahead in a separate car when he was told of the attack, at which point he called his wife and daughters to no answer.
Then, he found pictures online of the attacked car and recognised one of their suitcases.
In his speech at his daughters’ joint funeral, he said: « Maia and Rina, you are two flames who have not gone out. You will bring more light to the world. You have inspired and loved us, in return we will love you forever. »
Recalling his older daughter Maia, he said: « You will always be an angel and you will always be our guardian angel. »
He described Rina as a great friend and a student, who dreamt of travelling the world.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted that he sent his « heartfelt condolences to the Dee family, on the death of the mother of the family, Leah (Lucy), who was murdered in the severe terror attack in the [Jordan] valley ».
Radlett United Synagogue in Hertfordshire, to which the Dees had belonged, said the community was « devastated at the terrible news ».
It said in a statement: « We and the world have been robbed of their presence, but their light can never be extinguished. »
A hunt for the perpetrators has been launched by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The attack came amidst rising tensions between Isreal and Palestine.
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