Oct. 7 Survivor Recounts 8 Hours Hiding on Zikim Beach, Demands Answers

Matan Shlomo and his cousin Roi Nahum survived the October 7th Hamas attack on Zikim Beach, enduring eight hours of hiding in a bush after being caught in a battle zone. The pair had gone to the beach near the Gaza border to fish the night before, only to find themselves amidst gunfire from the sea, rockets, and infiltrating terrorists the next morning.

During the intense fighting, which included naval fire and close encounters with militants, Roi was severely wounded in the face. Matan described the beach transforming into a battlefield, with rockets falling and terrorists entering the area. They attempted to flee but returned to the coast, eventually hiding in dense shrubbery as gunfire erupted around them. Matan recounted hearing footsteps near their hiding spot and engaging in a firefight, fearing capture.

Despite the immediate danger passing, Shlomo stated they were not rescued for eight hours. He recounted giving his private vehicle to paratroopers to evacuate wounded soldiers and civilians. After their eventual rescue, they were taken to the Zikim base, but Shlomo requested to be moved to Ashkelon and Barzilai Hospital, concerned about the base's security.

Shlomo has since been recognized as a victim of hostile acts but is struggling with the National Insurance Institute over his disability benefits, which he feels are insufficient. He claims to have been assigned only 72% disability and is frustrated by the repeated need to explain his trauma to committees. He also expressed anger towards the military, stating that official after-action reports on the Zikim Beach events omit him and the soldiers who rescued them, and that he feels the truth is being concealed.

Despite his trauma, Shlomo continues to visit Zikim Beach, calling it "Zikim of Hope." He seeks answers from the Navy commander regarding the firing towards civilians and the delayed rescue, hoping for better protection in the future.