In a groundbreaking development, a survivor of the October 7 Nova music festival attack has come forward with a harrowing account of his experiences. This marks the first time a survivor has publicly shared details of sexual assault during the attack.
The survivor, identified only as 'D' for privacy reasons, shared his story with N12 news, describing the ordeal as a moment of extreme vulnerability and disconnection. His testimony provides a rare firsthand account of the brutality faced by victims during the attack.
On the morning of October 7, D escaped alone from the terrorists until Nukhba terrorists captured him.
"It's a very difficult moment," said D. "They were in a crazy state of ecstasy, celebrating, laughing with their guns, with their knives. You kind of disconnect from the situation, but on the other hand, you experience it very strongly. It's very hard ... These were Nukhba terrorists, really pinning you to the floor ... You try to resist, and they laugh at you, humiliate you, spit on you."
D continued to describe the difficult moments: "There's a circle, they're laughing, and you don't know what to do at that moment, whether to resist or let it pass, how to deal with the situation. It was a very brutal rape. At some point, more people arrived and called them, so they had to stop."
Unlike many others, D miraculously survived the encounter, rescued by soldiers who intervened.
The aftermath of the traumatic event has been challenging for D. He described a period of withdrawal and a compulsive need for cleanliness, common responses to severe trauma. "You have conversations with people, and suddenly, everything re-surfaces," D explained, highlighting the ongoing struggle with post-traumatic stress.
This testimony joins a growing body of evidence about the nature of the attacks. While many accounts have come from witnesses who heard or saw signs of assault, D's story is unique in that he survived to tell it himself.
In a significant legal move, D, along with dozens of other survivors, has filed a lawsuit against the state for 500 million shekels (approximately $135 million USD). The lawsuit alleges that survivors continue to feel abandoned by the government, with many unable to return to work or resume normal life.
Lawyers Gilad and Anat Ginzburg, representing the Nova survivors, emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by their clients. The legal action seeks not only compensation but also recognition of the state's responsibility in the events of October 7 and its aftermath.
D has also provided his testimony to Lahav 433, the unit investigating the sexual crimes committed during the attack. This evidence will play a crucial role in upcoming court proceedings, where Nova survivors will share their experiences and demand support from the state.
The emergence of D's testimony marks a pivotal moment in understanding the full scope of the October 7 attacks. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support for survivors and a thorough examination of the events that transpired that day.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the stories of D and other survivors will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping public understanding and policy responses to this tragic event. Their courage in coming forward serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring impact of trauma on individuals and communities.
* JPost contributed to this article.
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