Brandeis professor’s daughter and son-in-law killed in Israel while protecting son from Hamas gunmen

A professor at Brandeis University's daughter and son-in-law were killed after they guarded their teenage son with their bodies after Hamas terrorists invaded their home in Israel.

Ilan Troen is an Israeli scholar who recently retired from his role at Brandeis University, located in Massachusetts. 

“My daughter and son-in-law were killed today, but, in their dying, saved [my teenage grandson’s] life. They followed his body. They were all together in the secure room. And they covered his body, and he was saved. He - nevertheless, a bullet penetrated them and went into his abdomen.” Troen said during an NPR interview. 

The university confirmed on Sunday that the daughter and son-in-law were among the casualties of the recent attack on Israel by Hamas. 

“We at Brandeis are deeply saddened to learn that Professor Troen has lost his daughter and son-in-law in the tragic events that are currently taking place in Israel. Ilan, a Brandeis alumnus, and his family have long been treasured members of the Brandeis community, and we hold Ilan, his wife Carol, and his entire family in our thoughts,” the university wrote in a statement to a local outlet in Boston. 

Palestinian terrorists in Gaza launched an attack against Israel on Saturday with rockets and ground forces, inflicting significant casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war following the attack. 

Israeli soldiers fought Hamas militants in the streets of several southern cities on Sunday while repelling a rocket attack from Hezbollah terrorists in the north as America’s closest ally in the Middle East formally declared it was at war for the first time in a half century.