Extraordinary women rising from the ashes of 7 October
By: Wendy Kahn
In the shadow of the unimaginable horror that unfolded on 7 October 2023, we have witnessed the emergence of so many extraordinary heroes. Among them stands our own homegrown Captain Daniel Perez, the remarkable soldier who led his platoon so courageously against the onslaught of Hamas terrorists, safeguarding countless lives in the area of Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
“Each visit unveils fresh tales of heroism that inspire and amaze me.”
Last month, in September, I was part of a delegation of communal leaders who were taken on a journey to the Nahal Oz army base, guided by Captain Daniel’s father, Rabbi Doron Perez, who retraced the steps of his brave two sons on October 7. He showed us where Yonatan was shot in the leg, and the area where Daniel paid the ultimate sacrifice. May his memory be a blessing. During the week of this memorable leadership programme, we met government leaders, including Foreign Minister Gidon Sa’ar, the Speaker of the Knesset, and President and Mrs Herzog. We travelled down south and engaged with people involved in the conflict in various ways. I have returned to Israel numerous times since that dark day, and each visit unveils fresh tales of heroism that inspire and amaze me. This latest journey introduced me to a cadre of phenomenal women whose contributions to Israel and the global Jewish family are nothing short of transformative.
We had a true privilege to engage with Rachel Goldberg Polin for a profoundly moving conversation about her son Hersh, and her insights over the past two years. She shared the vital role that faith has played in anchoring her through this trauma, and her vision for healing the rifts not only within Israel but across the Jewish diaspora. This remarkable woman possesses strength and an incredible insight into trauma and suffering. Her voice, like that of Rabbi Perez, has brought great comfort to many in Israel and in Jewish communities around the world, who are still grappling with the darkness of that day.
Another compelling voice rising from the ashes of 7 October is that of Nurith Irene Cohn, one of the rare female volunteers with ZAKA, who spent the weeks after that terrible day collecting human remains in accordance with Halacha. In contrast to the desecration of these bodies by the Hamas murderers, Nurith and her fellow responders meticulously searched the ravaged homes of the kibbutzim, the Nova festival grounds, and even the charred vehicles that became tombs for innocent Israelis. She battles with the horrific images she witnessed.
Our tour led us to the scorched remnants of the room where the women lookout soldiers (tatzpitaniyot) had warned Israel of the bombardment of the Hamas terrorists, only for their warnings to be ignored. Cpt. Eden Nimri bravely helped her fellow soldiers escape through a window, tragically losing her own life. Those that escaped the flames were taken hostage, suffering in captivity and eventually being brought home with the scars and trauma of that horrific ordeal.
President Herzog’s wife, Michal, is another remarkable voice that is using her platform to advocate against sexual violence being used as a tool of war, citing the Israeli and the Druze women who were victims of these horrific crimes. She is also championing mental health initiatives that address the profound psychological toll of this conflict on the society.
One of the most heart-wrenching conversations was with Chaya Hexter, whose son Yakir is buried at Har Herzl in the same row as Daniel Perez. This courageous woman told us about her son, an architect, a caring friend and a precious family member. She spoke with strength and love.
It is clear that the past two years have taken an immense toll on every individual and every family with whom we interacted. We were struck by the resilience of this nation and especially its women. Despite ongoing challenges and complexities, they stand as a testament to our people’s enduring strength, inspiring us in South Africa and beyond to hold fast to our shared values, and unwavering hope and belief.
