The intersection of immigration and military service often creates a unique bond of resilience, but it also carries a profound weight when that service ends in tragedy. For families like the Lubliners and the Daunovs, the dream of building a life in Israel has been irrevocably altered by the loss of spouses who served as soldiers and police officers.
A Life Built Together: The Lubliner Family
Barbara Lubliner, 31, and her late husband, Ariel, shared a journey that began with their independent decisions to make aliyah. Barbara arrived from Spain on her 20th birthday in August 2014, even as Ariel had come from Brazil shortly before her.
The couple met at Kibbutz Na’an during a Hebrew-language program for new immigrants. Despite initial language barriers, they became inseparable, eventually moving to Tel Aviv and later marrying in July 2018.
Ariel served in the IDF Paratroopers Brigade and later in the reserves. Following the events of October 7, he served approximately 300 days in the reserves, a period that overlapped with the birth of his son, Lior, in December 2024.
Tragedy struck on Friday, August 29, 2025, during operations in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Sgt. First Class (res.) Ariel Lubliner, 34, was killed in an operational accident caused by IDF fire.
Barbara recalls the shock of that night, describing how she fainted repeatedly when soldiers arrived at her home to deliver the news. Today, she finds strength in her son and visits Ariel’s grave in Kiryat Bialik every morning.
Bravery Under Fire: The Legacy of Yulia Vakser-Daunov
Sgt. Maj. Yulia Vakser-Daunov’s commitment to law enforcement began at age 15 when she volunteered with the Israel Police. After immigrating from Ukraine at age 10, she rose through the ranks to become the chief of staff to the operations officer of the Southern District.
On October 7, Yulia was finishing a night shift at the Nova music festival near Re’im. When sirens began, she turned back to help evacuate the crowd, eventually moving to a police command post to report on casualties and attackers in real time.
Yulia was killed at 9:24 a.m. At the festival site near an ambulance. Her husband, Samuel Daunov, was not notified of her death until October 18, after her identity was confirmed via DNA.
Samuel, who spent 20 years with Yulia, now serves as a full-time father to their children, Shirel and Liron. He describes the difficulty of adjusting to single parenthood after a relationship that was never intended to end.
Processing Grief Through Community
The stories of Barbara and Samuel are set to be shared at a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the Masa organization. This event is the largest English-language ceremony of its kind, targeting Jewish communities across dozens of countries.
The ceremony focuses on the experiences of lone soldiers, new immigrants, and victims from the Jewish diaspora. By sharing these narratives, the organization aims to connect global communities with the personal toll of the conflict.
As these families move forward, they may continue to rely on support networks, such as the WhatsApp group for widows mentioned by Barbara. Such communities could provide the necessary emotional infrastructure for those navigating long-term bereavement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Sgt. First Class (res.) Ariel Lubliner die?
Ariel Lubliner was killed on August 29, 2025, during operations in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip due to an operational accident caused by IDF fire.
What role did Sgt. Maj. Yulia Vakser-Daunov play during the October 7 attacks?
Yulia was among 15 officers who evacuated more than 2,500 civilians from the Nova music festival site. She also reported real-time data on attackers and casualties from a police command post before she was killed.
What is the purpose of the Masa organization’s ceremony?
The ceremony is an English-language event aimed at Jewish communities worldwide, focusing on the stories of victims from the diaspora, new immigrants, and lone soldiers.
How can communities best support those who have lost partners in the line of duty?
