Summary
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal attack on Kibbutz Be’eri, resulting in the murder of Or Gat’s mother, Kinneret, and the abduction of his sister, Carmel, and sister-in-law. This tragic event marked the beginning of a long and painful ordeal for Or, whose family was deeply affected by the violence and chaos inflicted by the terrorists.
The attack on Kibbutz Be’eri was characterized by a coordinated invasion where Hamas militants went door-to-door, committing acts of violence, including murder and abduction. Kinneret, a former teacher and tour guide, showed remarkable courage by warning her husband of the approaching danger, ultimately saving his life moments before her execution. Carmel was taken hostage and held for 50 days before being killed, with her body later recovered in Rafah. The attack not only devastated Or Gat’s immediate family but also left a profound impact on the community, highlighting the ongoing tragedy of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the personal toll of such violence.
The Immediate Aftermath
Or Gat was away from home during the attack, attending a friend’s bachelor party, and learned of his mother’s death through a video posted by Hamas. The uncertainty surrounding his sister’s fate compounded his grief, as he initially had no confirmation of her status. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed her abduction two weeks later, but the pain of losing his mother lingered heavily on him.
Hostage Situation
Carmel was held captive in Gaza alongside two teenagers, Noam and Alma, where she took on a nurturing role, helping her fellow hostages cope with their dire circumstances through yoga and meditation. Tragically, after being transferred to Rafah, she was killed in an incident that also claimed the lives of several other hostages. Or’s account illustrates the harrowing experiences faced by families during such conflicts, where hope and despair coexist in painful uncertainty.
Moving Forward
Following the confirmation of his sister’s death, Or expressed a mix of devastation and a newfound sense of certainty that allows him and his family to begin the healing process. He noted that while the anger was overwhelming at first, they are now confronting their grief. The resilience of his niece, Geffen, who recently celebrated her fourth birthday, serves as a beacon of hope amid the darkness that has enveloped their lives.
Oct. 7 / New York Post / Offers a poignant, personal narrative from Or Gat that deeply humanizes the tragedy, providing unique insights into the emotional aftermath of violence, while maintaining a compelling and authoritative tone. “ The past year has felt like one long, bloody day for Or Gat. Hamas invaded his Kibbutz Be’eri home one year ago on Oct. 7 and murdered his mother and...