Three years since October 7: Israelis tell Meduza how the worst terrorist attack in their country’s history changed them and the world around them
The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, was one of the most horrific events in recent world history. Ahead of its third anniversary, Meduza spoke with residents of Israel, where the terrorist attack touched everyone. Eight people from cities across the country described what happened to them in those days and how they and the world around them have changed since.
Exactly three years ago, on October 7, 2023, a Hamas attack on Israel took the lives of over 1,200 civilians, with many more injured and taken hostage. The terrorist assault on the Nova music festival resulted in numerous deaths and further suffering. In the aftermath, Israel carried out an operation in the Gaza Strip, which led to a rise in anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiment around the world.
Yeva Broyde-Zaitsev, a ceramics shop owner and Hebrew teacher from Tel Aviv, spoke of her experience. Moving to Israel after escaping from Russia, she found a difference in how people value human life and treat each other. The terrorist attack left her feeling distraught and forced her to confront her emotions, sometimes even considering self-harm. In the days following the attack, Yeva felt a strange sense of relief, contrasting with the guilt she felt during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In the wake of the conflict and growing hatred towards Israelis, Yeva has found herself having to be cautious in conversations with people from other countries. She believes it's essential to share her firsthand experience to enlighten others about the complexity of the situation and the true nature of Hamas and Gaza.
Written by urgent.news from Meduza (English)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
