Romi Gonen's last moments of freedom were documented in a series of desperate phone calls to her mother Meirav on October 7, 2023, as Hamas terrorists attacked the Supernova music festival in southern Israel.
The 23-year-old had been in constant contact with her mother since the attack began at 6:30 AM. By 10:15 AM, while fleeing in a car with friends, Gonen made a chilling call: "They shot me, Mom and I'm bleeding. Everyone in the car is bleeding." Her final contact came at 10:58 AM.
When the vehicle was later discovered, it was empty. A recording obtained by the Daily Mail captured terrorists at the scene discussing whether to kill or kidnap her. Her phone was subsequently tracked to Gaza.
Here's what her father Eitan just posted on Facebook.
Ben Shimoni, who became known as the "Angel of Nova" after saving nine lives by making multiple rescue trips to the festival, was reportedly killed by terrorists while attempting to return for Gonen and others.
Hope came in November 2023 when a released hostage confirmed Gonen was alive, though in poor condition. "Her fingers are barely moving and are changing colors," her family reported, referring to the gunshot wound she sustained during her capture.
Throughout her 15-month captivity, her parents have maintained hope. Her father Eitan describes her as "a magical girl. She's all heart, all love... a justice warrior." He told Reuters, "We are convinced that Romi will be back home, alive."
Before her capture, Gonen was known as a former Scouts counselor who loved music festivals. Now 24, she is among the first three hostages Hamas has agreed to release in the latest exchange deal.
The hostage release is slated for 4:00pm today, and will last for approximately two hours, according to an IDF estimate.
Israel just put the ceasefire into effect less than half an hour ago, although it was supposed to commence at 8:30 am. The reason for the delay was that Hamas already broke the deal, by not providing the names of the hostages it will release 24 hours before their release, as they already agreed to do.
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