Nova Festival Survivor Recounts Severe Injuries and Trauma

Yamit, a 36-year-old mother of three from Ofakim, sustained severe injuries, including a shattered hip and pelvis, while working security at the Nova music festival on October 7. She had returned to Border Police duty seven months prior to the attack, serving as a policing coordinator for the Merhavim Regional Council. On the day of the massacre, she arrived at the festival at 6:30 AM to provide additional security. As rocket sirens began, her commander ordered the festival halted, and she helped evacuate thousands of attendees before the main assault.

Around 7:00 AM, gunfire erupted, and by 8:50 AM, wounded individuals began arriving at their command post. Yamit recounted hearing "Allahu Akbar" over the radio, realizing militants had taken over police vehicles. She described the final moments of fallen officer Dov Abramov, who told her, "There is no army, we are alone. We are not leaving from here." Yamit then called her husband, a police officer, to inform him of the situation. He managed to reach the home of local resident Rachel Edri before Yamit was wounded and sent him a farewell message.

At approximately 8:50 AM, three pickup trucks filled with militants arrived, opening fire and launching grenades. Yamit, along with fellow officers Shoham Mograbi and Liat, attempted to flee in Liat's car, but it was hit by gunfire. Yamit was struck in the back by shrapnel and later in the thigh by a bullet that shattered her pelvis as they encountered a militant roadblock. They crashed their vehicle, fled on foot, and hid, preparing to use a final bullet on themselves rather than be captured alive. Yamit sent her husband her location and a message of love.

Her husband, with additional forces, eventually reached her after a fierce battle. She was evacuated to Soroka Medical Center. The bullet shattered her femur and pelvis, and shrapnel lodged in her back. Doctors said the bullet narrowly missed a major artery, and she lost a significant amount of blood. Yamit described profound psychological trauma, stating she no longer leaves home alone and is constantly worried about her children's safety. She feels she is no longer herself, struggling with dependency and a loss of purpose after 17 years in uniform. Despite the challenges, she credits her husband's support for helping their relationship grow stronger through the ordeal.