Two survivors of the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel recounted their experiences to a gathering in San Francisco on Sunday. The event took place at Congregation Chevra Thilim, where community members gathered to hear firsthand accounts from Eliya and Ziv, who survived the assault during the Nova Music Festival.
Rebecca Goodman, a local resident and employee of the Jewish Community Relations Council, expressed her desire to witness their stories. “I want to hear their story. I want to bear witness so that when others tell me this, it did not happen, I can say I heard from people who were there,” she stated.
The synagogue was filled with attendees eager to learn about the harrowing ordeal that Eliya and Ziv faced. Both sought refuge in a bomb shelter during the attacks but endured significant trauma as the situation escalated. Rabbi Shlomo Zarchi recounted, “They had thrown grenades into the shelter. Very few people survived in there.”
Eliya, who was held captive for a staggering 505 days, had been unaware of the fate of his girlfriend, Ziv, who was trapped in the shelter. Zarchi highlighted Ziv’s tense experience, explaining, “She either played dead, or she was buried under bodies.” After her rescue, Ziv dedicated herself to ensuring Eliya’s safe return.
The moment of their reunion was captured on video, illustrating the profound emotional impact of their ordeal. Siena Naaman Cohen, co-founder and CEO of The Chosen Foundation, described it as “a miracle.”
Community leaders emphasized the importance of sharing these narratives. Cohen remarked, “For us, it’s just to hear the story. Just after 500 days in captivity, I can’t imagine how you survive so many days and still remain strong.” He noted that the process of returning all hostages took nearly two years, with over 200 individuals affected.
Eliya and Ziv, now together again, have begun to share their remarkable story across the country. They also announced plans to marry in August, a celebration they postponed until all hostages were released. Rabbi Zarchi reflected on their journey, stating, “It’s such an extraordinary message of resilience, hope, and compassion.”
Attendees voiced the significance of their narratives, especially in light of rising antisemitism. Greg Hutchinson, a resident of San Anselmo, remarked, “Now, with all the antisemitism in the world, I think it’s really important that even Americans who are not Jewish stand alongside them to show support.” He underscored the necessity of remembering the events of October 7.
The survivors’ accounts not only illuminate the realities of their experiences but also serve as a call for solidarity within the community. As they continue to share their story, the hope is that their resilience will inspire others and ensure that such tragedies are not forgotten.
