With great sadness, OneFamily mourns the death of border police officer Hadar Cohen, who was shot by terrorists armed with concealed guns, knives and pipe bombs preparing to launch a major attack. Hadar’s alertness, bravery and heroism saved many lives. Doctors, however, were unable to save Hadar’s life, and she died of her wounds a few hours later.

Hadar, 19, grew up in Ohr Yehuda. She is survived by her parents, a brother, and a sister. Two months earlier, she fulfilled her dream of joining the border police unit. She was still undergoing basic training when she was placed on patrol at the Damascus Gate, a dangerous area where numerous stabbings had taken place.

On Wednesday, Hadar’s first day at the Damascus Gate, a team of border police approached two Palestinians who were acting suspiciously. As one officer examined their identification, one of the Palestinians pulled out a sharp blade and stabbed another officer, seriously wounding her in the neck.

Hadar immediately shot one of the terrorists and another officer shot the second one. At that point, a third terrorist suddenly attacked Hadar from behind, shooting her in the head. Another border policeman neutralized the third terrorist.

Security officials said the border police prevented an attack intended to cause numerous casualties. Only the bravery of Hadar and her team had kept them from their goal. Border Police official Shlomi Yosef praised Hadar’s “heroic” and “determined” response in the face of violent terrorists.

At her funeral, attended by hundreds of people, including Ravit Mirilashvili, a fellow border police officer who was injured in the same attack, family and friends paid their last respects. “My beloved Hadar, my dear daughter…who was more beloved to me than anything. How am I supposed to separate from you now, how?” said her father, Ofer.

“Everyone says you were a hero, a true hero, that you saved lots of people with your body and soul. But no one truly knows you my Hadar, your warmth. I have three words (in Hebrew) to tell you: I’m proud of you. I’m proud of you and salute you. Rest in peace, may your soul be entwined in life,” Ofer added.

Her aunt Zehavit Cohen said, “Hadar was a good girl and stunning. Everything she wanted, she achieved. She longed to join the Border Police and fought to get there. She always said how fun and good it was, even when it was hard.”