HEROD'S GATE, JERUSALEM: Sgt Rose Ida Lubin, a 20-year-old Israeli-American woman, who defended a kibbutz during the October 7 Hamas massacre was fatally stabbed while patrolling the border near Herod's Gate in Jerusalem's Old City on Monday, November 7.
The attack was carried out by a 16-year-old boy from the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Issawiya, who also assaulted another Border Police officer.
Sgt Rose Ida Lubin's death and the swift police action
Sgt Lubin succumbed to her injuries, while the other officer suffered light wounds. Police swiftly arrived at the scene, fatally shooting the attacker and apprehending another individual suspected of aiding him.
The Old City's Damascus Gate, one of the primary entrances used by Palestinians, has long been a highly guarded area due to tensions between Muslims and Jews.
Herod's Gate, one of the seven open Gates, connects the Muslim Quarter within the Old City to the Palestinian neighborhood of Bab az-Zahra just outside.
Rose Ida Lubin was courageous 'Lone Soldier' with a heart of gold
Sgt Lubin, originally from Dunwoody, Georgia, embarked on her journey to Israel in 2021 as a new immigrant and a "lone soldier," demonstrating remarkable courage by joining the IDF without her family by her side. She resided in Kibbutz Sa'ad, a religious community in southern Israel.
Described by friends as someone who exuded kindness and warmth, Sgt Lubin was also known for her unique fashion sense, characterized by vibrant and edgy looks that left a lasting impression on those who knew her.
"You would think she was as tough as nails, but the minute she would start talking to you, there was only warmth and love," close friend Yehudis Braunstein said. "She was the kindest soul, and her heart touched everyone around her."
Her remarkable singing talent was yet another facet of her multifaceted personality, bringing comfort and joy to those around her.
Sgt Lubin's friends emphasized her ability to make people feel accepted and inspired to be their best selves.
"She was so pure. Pure, if I had to pick one word, pure is the word I would pick," another friend Tamar Zinnar said, as per Daily Mail.
In a heartbreaking video recorded just days before her murder, Sgt Lubin smiled and waved at the camera, sending love to her family in America and thanking them for their thoughts and prayers.
Dunwoody High School, from which she graduated in 2021, honored Sgt.
Lubin on Instagram, acknowledging, "This morning we received very unfortunate news and would like to take this moment to honor our former wildcat, friend, and student Rose Lubin who lost her life protecting the country she loves and its citizens."
"Our hearts and prayers go out to the Lubin family as we all mourn the loss of a wonderful and bright soul. She is a hero to many and her bravery inspires us to follow in her courageous footsteps. May she rest in peace," read the statement.
