Bedouin Driver Who Saved Dozens at Nova Party Faces Home Demolitions
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Yosef Ziadna, a Bedouin driver from Rahat, is being honored for rescuing dozens from the Supernova music festival on October 7th. Despite his heroism, Ziadna and his family are now facing home demolitions by the Israel Land Authority, which he criticizes as unjust. His family also suffered significant loss, with two relatives murdered in captivity and another killed on October 7th. Ziadna advocates for coexistence and criticizes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over the demolitions.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rahat driver Yosef Ziadna rescued about 30 people from the Supernova festival massacre on October 7th.
- Ziadna's family suffered heavy losses, with two relatives murdered in captivity and another killed on Oct 7th.
- Despite his heroism, Ziadna's family is now facing home demolitions by the Israel Land Authority.
- Ziadna criticizes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over the demolitions and calls for coexistence.
- Two of Ziadna's relatives, Bilal and Aisha, were released after 55 days in Hamas captivity.
- Ziadna received a civilian heroism award for his actions on October 7th.
Yosef Ziadna, a minibus driver from Rahat, is being recognized for his bravery on October 7th, when he rescued approximately 30 people from the Supernova music festival massacre. Despite the ongoing attacks, Ziadna drove towards the site after hearing distress calls, stating, "I couldn't think that my children were safe at home while other children were being killed." He believes the route he opened allowed hundreds more to escape under fire. For his actions, he later received a civilian heroism award.
However, Ziadna's own family suffered greatly on October 7th. Four members of the al-Ziadna family were abducted from Kibbutz Holit: Yosef, his son Hamza, and his children Bilal and Aisha. Bilal and Aisha were released after 55 days in captivity, but Yosef and Hamza were murdered in captivity, their bodies returned to Israel in January 2025. Another relative, Abd al-Rahman al-Ziadna, was killed near Zikim beach.
Despite the trauma and loss, Bilal and Aisha have begun rebuilding their lives, with Aisha recently marrying and Bilal planning to wed soon. Ziadna maintains strong contact with those he saved, taking them to other events and vowing to remain with them. He sees his experience as proof that in times of crisis, there is no difference between Jews and Bedouins, emphasizing unity and the importance of upbringing that promotes peace and mutual aid.
Complicating Ziadna's life, his family is now facing home demolitions. Nearly three years after October 7th, his family's home was demolished about a year ago. Recently, the Israel Land Authority returned to the area for further enforcement, demolishing a home belonging to a disabled IDF veteran cousin and dismantling a shed at Ziadna's own house. Demolition orders have also been issued for two homes belonging to his brothers, who are currently living with him. Ziadna acknowledges the structures were built without permits but questions the timing of the enforcement, asking if this is the reward for saving lives.
He directs his anger towards Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, criticizing his policies and stating that while Ben-Gvir celebrated demolitions, it was people like him who risked their lives to save others. Ziadna highlights his family's long history in the Negev, with members serving in various Israeli emergency and security services, emphasizing their deep roots in the land. He also reveals the personal toll of the trauma, having lost 45 kilograms in the past year. Looking forward, Ziadna hopes for solutions for the Bedouin sector, an end to home demolitions, and peace and coexistence for all Israeli citizens.