Golan Abitbul, a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri, shares his firsthand experience of a harrowing attack that left his community shattered. He reflects on the close-knit nature of life in the kibbutz and how abruptly a typical day turned into chaos with an unexpected missile strike. Golan recounts his family's fight for survival against armed intruders, revealing the deep emotional scars left by this violence. The conversation delves into the tragic loss of life and the complexity of the resulting political turmoil, painting a vivid picture of resilience amid chaos.
Golan Abitbol shares his harrowing experience of the terrorist attack on his community, highlighting the intense missile attacks and engagement in a firefight to protect his family.
The attack has deeply affected Golan and his community, leaving them grappling with grief and uncertainty, raising doubts about peaceful solutions.
Deep dives
Attack on the Kibbutz
Golan Abitbol, a resident of Kibbutz Berry, shares his account of the attack on his community by terrorists. He describes a normal Friday spent with his family, followed by the sudden and intense missile attacks that shook the kibbutz. Golan took up a defensive position, armed with a pistol, to protect his family. He witnessed terrorists outside his kitchen window and engaged in a firefight. Throughout the day, Golan and his neighbors were under attack, and the situation became life-threatening when the terrorists attempted to break into their safe room. The attack lasted for hours, and Golan's kibbutz and neighboring communities were devastated. Many community members lost their lives, and others were kidnapped by the terrorists.
Emotional Toll and Loss
Golan shares the emotional toll the attack has taken on him and his community. He mourns the loss of friends and neighbors, including children and the elderly. Hearing distressing messages from friends trapped and in danger, Golan feels a sense of helplessness. He questions the humanity of the attackers and expresses doubt about the effectiveness of negotiations for peace. Golan and his family are now in a hotel, where they try to rebuild their lives and support each other. The children are receiving counseling, but their innocence has been shattered by the violence they witnessed.
Uncertain Future
Golan and his community face an uncertain future as they cannot return to their homes due to quarantine restrictions. They fear their homes may have been destroyed. Golan describes the collective efforts to support each other, rebuild their community, and provide essential services. The loss of loved ones has deeply changed Golan, his family, and the community, leaving them grappling with grief and uncertainty. The attack has shattered their faith and raised doubts about peaceful solutions. Despite the challenges, they remain resilient, holding on to hope and seeking to rebuild their lives one day at a time.
Warning: this episode contains descriptions of death.
In the week since Israel suffered the deadliest day in its modern history, fresh accounts have emerged in village after village of just how extreme and widespread the violence was.
Today we hear the story of one man at the epicenter of that violence: Golan Abitbul, a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri, where more than 100 civilians were killed.
Guest: Golan Abitbul, a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri, in southern Israel.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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