In a poignant reflection on the ongoing impact of the October 7th Hamas attacks, survivor Sapir Cohen shared her harrowing experience during a recent interview. One year after the tragic events, Cohen, who was held hostage for nearly two months, recounted the terror she faced when Hamas militants invaded her kibbutz near Oz.
Cohen described the moment she was taken, expressing feelings of overwhelming fear and regret. \"I didn't want to say something with the meaning of goodbye,\" she recalled, choosing instead to pray for her survival. Upon her arrival in Gaza, she faced further brutality, as a mob awaited her, and she was subjected to physical abuse.
Held in a network of tunnels, Cohen endured unsanitary conditions, battling lice and mold while grappling with the psychological toll of her captivity. She encountered Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the attacks, who ultimately decided her fate. Despite the dire circumstances, Cohen found strength in unity among fellow hostages, which she described as a \"miracle.\"
Now back in Israel, Cohen has transformed her trauma into a message of resilience and unity, speaking to large audiences about the importance of coming together in the face of adversity. \"When all the Jewish are together like this, they are very, very strong,\" she emphasized, highlighting the need for solidarity amidst political divisions in Israel.
Cohen's story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring pain from the attacks, while also showcasing the strength of the human spirit in the darkest of times.