Israel finds body of Ruth Peretz, disabled teen missing since October 7

Her father Eric, who was also declared missing since the mass Hamas infiltration, was found lifeless by police and medical personnel on October 16.

Ruth Peretz, murdered in the October 7 massacre (photo credit: VIA MAARIV ONLINE)
Ruth Peretz, murdered in the October 7 massacre
(photo credit: VIA MAARIV ONLINE)

Israeli security forces located on Sunday the remains of Ruth Peretz, a 17-year-old who went missing along with her father during the Re'im music festival massacre on October 7.

Ruth suffered from muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. The wheelchair she used for mobility was found near the Gaza border a few days after the massacre, leading to fears she had been kidnapped into Gaza by the Hamas terrorist group.

Her father Eric, who was also declared missing since the mass infiltration, was found lifeless by police and medical personnel on October 16.

'Ruth went to party because it brought her immeasurable happiness'

In a tribute article written to Walla!, Dr. Ilan Rabinovich spoke of Ruth's condition at length.

"Ruth had difficulty eating normally and relied on stomach feeding. She is disabled and paralyzed. She communicates using only basic words understood by her family," Rabinovich wrote. "They went to that tragic party together because it brought Ruth immeasurable happiness. Eric had been taking Ruth to these parties for years because they made her feel good."

Ruth and Eric Peretz (VIA WALLA)
Ruth and Eric Peretz (VIA WALLA)

Touching photos and clips of Ruth and Eric, taken of them enjoying the festival, with Ruth dancing in her wheelchair, circulated widely days after the massacre.