Journalist Heidi Levine recounts Israeli settler attack and Palestinians’ daily fear

Washington Post journalist Heidi Levine recounted her harrowing experience of being attacked by Israeli settlers in Israel last week. Speaking to CNN after being hospitalized, Levine detailed the brutal assault she endured at the hands of the settlers. She described how the attackers knocked her down, kicked her, and struck her with sticks, leaving her in excruciating pain.

Levine emphasized that the most distressing aspect of the incident was realizing the stark similarities between the violence Palestinians endure and what she faced herself. She expressed her profound empathy for the victims, stating, "I can’t imagine what it’s like for all the victims that have gone through the same ordeal and are living with the threat of this violence on a daily basis."

Levine provided a vivid account of the moments leading up to the attack, noting that it was preceded by tear gas and gunfire. She revealed that a Palestinian man had been shot in the leg during the confrontation, and the settlers responded by charging forward. Levine recounted the harrowing sequence of events, describing how she was violently thrown to the ground and mercilessly kicked and struck with sticks.

In a desperate attempt to escape the onslaught, she even contemplated playing dead to avoid further harm. Levine's resilience and determination were evident as she revealed that the attack had further solidified her commitment to continue advocating for change and raising awareness about the brutal reality faced by Palestinians.