Eden Gefner survived a terrifying attack by Hamas terrorists on October 7th, an experience that left her feeling as though she was in the Holocaust, just for being Jewish. Born and raised in Kibbutz Re’im near Gaza, Gefner and her family found themselves in a life-threatening situation as they heard Hamas gunfire break through their front door and rummage through their home. As they hid in their safe room, they listened to others in the community reporting the presence of terrorists in the area, chanting to kill the Jews. Gefner’s mind is still haunted by the experience, feeling as though she had missed out on achieving her dreams and goals.
Gefner’s experience has been shared as part of the Faces of October 7th Project, which aims to put a human face on the consequences of terrorism and challenge support for organizations like Hamas. She recalls her childhood memories of her mother talking about the beauty of Gaza and expressing the belief that Jews and Palestinians could coexist peacefully. However, the escalation of aggression by Hamas over the years led to Gefner and her family being directly impacted by the violence. The attack on October 7th, 2023, fundamentally changed her perspective and left her feeling as though she was facing a life-threatening situation reminiscent of the Holocaust.
During the attack, Gefner and her family huddled in their safe room, fearing for their lives as they heard gunfire close by. They made a pact that if they were going to die, they would do so together. The terrifying moments of facing a Hamas terrorist attempting to enter their home and the tense standoff that followed left Gefner feeling as though it was a miracle that they survived. The family spent 30 hours in the safe room, unsure of what awaited them when they emerged, filled with gratitude for their survival.
In the aftermath of the attack, Gefner has been faced with the political fallout as Israel launched a campaign against Hamas in Gaza. She expresses frustration with the rise of antisemitism and protests against Israel, emphasizing that it is Hamas that holds the Palestinians captive, not Israel. Reflecting on the need for coexistence and understanding among people, Gefner appeals for peace and unity, stressing the shared humanity of all individuals. She calls for a focus on freeing Palestinians from Hamas rather than targeting Israel or the Jewish people.
Gefner’s experience serves as a chilling reminder of the ongoing conflicts and violence in the region, highlighting the impact on individuals and families caught in the crossfire. Her story underscores the need for dialogue, empathy, and efforts towards peace and reconciliation. As she continues to process the trauma and aftermath of the attack, Gefner’s resilience and determination to advocate for a better future for all shines through. Her message of hope and understanding resonates beyond her personal experience, serving as a call to action for unity and mutual respect among all people.
