In a small city in southern Israel, a kindergarten teacher named Tali Hadad found herself thrust into a harrowing situation on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly assault. What started as a typical day quickly turned into a life-or-death scenario for Hadad and her family.
As the sound of sirens and gunfire filled the air in Ofakim, Hadad's maternal instincts kicked in. Her son, Itamar, a soldier on leave, rushed towards the danger, prompting Hadad to follow suit. Amidst the chaos, she witnessed her son being shot multiple times, along with his comrades.
Despite the ongoing gunfire and danger, Hadad displayed remarkable bravery by rescuing her son and 13 others from the scene of the fighting. Her quick thinking and unwavering determination saved multiple lives that day.
Following the intense battle, Hadad's son survived but faced a long road to recovery, both physically and mentally. The traumatic events of that day left a lasting impact on him and the entire community of Ofakim, where 47 residents lost their lives.
One year later, Ofakim is in the process of rebuilding, symbolized by the transformation of 'Death Street' into a place of remembrance and renewal. The city's efforts to heal and move forward are evident in the establishment of a trauma center to support survivors of the massacre.
While the scars of that fateful day remain, Hadad and the people of Ofakim are resilient. Despite the ongoing challenges and emotional toll, they are determined to honor the memory of the victims and rebuild their community.
For Hadad, the experience was life-changing, leading her to prioritize caring for her family, including her children serving in the IDF. As the community continues to heal, the spirit of resilience and remembrance remains strong in Ofakim.
