How we got to October 7: Amir Tibon on Netanyahu, Gaza, and the day that shattered Israel
Oct 3, 2024
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Amir Tibon, a journalist and author, shares his harrowing experience during the Hamas attacks on October 7, sheltering in his safe room with his family. He recounts the dramatic rescue by his father, a retired IDF general, and reflects on the psychological toll of that day. Tibon's new book intertwines personal narratives with the complex history of Kibbutz Nahal Oz and Gaza, examining Israel's political landscape, security issues, and the hope of rebuilding communities in the aftermath of tragedy.
Amir Tibon's harrowing experience during the October 7 attacks underscores the profound psychological impact on families directly affected by violence.
His exploration of the historical relationship between Israel and Gaza reveals a complex narrative of conflict and missed opportunities for peace.
Deep dives
A Day of Trauma: Personal Experience on October 7th
The personal account of the traumatic events on October 7th illustrates a harrowing day for Amir Tibon and his family. Initially assuming it was another routine attack, Amir, his wife, and two young daughters found themselves trapped in their home's safe room as mortars rained down and terrorists invaded their neighborhood in Kibbutz Nachal Oz. The family's harrowing eight-and-a-half-hour ordeal involved coping with fear in the dark without food or electricity, with Amir focused on keeping his daughters calm amidst the chaos. The chilling moment when automatic gunfire pierced their safe haven marked a stark shift from their prior experiences, solidifying the realization that this was a grave and unprecedented invasion by Hamas.
Heroism Amidst Crisis: The Actions of Amir's Parents
Amir's narrative extends to his parents’ courageous efforts to reach him during the crisis, showcasing their determination amid chaos. His father, Noam Tibon, a retired Israeli general, risked his life to reach Kibbutz Nachal Oz, realizing the situation's severity when he could not contact military high command. Simultaneously, Amir’s mother exhibited remarkable bravery as she helped wounded soldiers and ensured they received medical attention, embodying the humanitarian spirit during a catastrophic day. Their experiences highlight the bonds of family and the lengths to which individuals will go to help their loved ones in times of unimaginable distress.
Reflections on History: Insights into Gaza's Legacy
Tibon’s exploration of the historical relationship between Israel and Gaza reveals intriguing insights often overlooked. His research, which included delving into the region’s past dating back to Alexander the Great, helped him uncover how historical tensions have shaped the current state of affairs. He notes that Kibbutz Nachal Oz has not only witnessed decades of conflict but has also been home to moments of peace, such as a peace festival in 1994 attended by Gazans. This juxtaposition of peace and conflict illustrates the complex and often tragic history tying Israel and Gaza together, prompting questions about missed opportunities for reconciliation.
Future of Communities: Hope and Leadership for Reconstruction
Amir underscores the significance of rebuilding communities like Kibbutz Nachal Oz, not only for the residents but for the future of Israel itself. He emphasizes that the destruction from the October 7th attacks directly threatens the continuity and resilience of these border communities, which were built over decades. Amir expresses hope for a different leadership that can commit to fidelity and care for the safety of these communities, enabling families to return and rebuild their lives. He acknowledges that without strong leadership and a clear vision for safety and unity, the prospects for recovery remain dim, reflecting larger concerns for Israel's future amidst ongoing conflict.
Amir Tibon will never forget what it felt like to be hunkered down in his safe room with his wife and two young daughters for hours on end, listening to the sound of Hamas terrorists on a murderous rampage in his neighborhood, Kibbutz Nahal Oz on the Gaza border, on October 7.
"You're on automatic pilot. You're hearing gunfire inside your house," he recalled. "You're locked inside with two very young girls, and you're just operating in the situation, trying to keep the girls calm and quiet and reserved, trying to keep yourself calm and quiet and reserved, because if we were to exhibit any signs of distress, the girls would immediately see it."
On the Haaretz Podcast, Tibon discussed the dramatic rescue of his family carried out by his father, retired IDF general Noam Tibon, a story he shares in his new book, "The Gates of Gaza: A Story of Betrayal, Survival and Hope on Israel's Borderlands."
The book fuses his personal story with that of Israel and Gaza, sharing the 70-year history of his home of Nahal Oz – the closest Israeli community to Gaza – and the steps that led to the war that is still grinding on today, a year after it began.