Officer Recounts Harrowing Rescue of Children and His Own Injury on Oct. 7

Sergeant Major Rami Cohen has returned to the Sderot police station three years after the Hamas massacre, recounting his experience rescuing two young girls who had lost their parents and sustaining severe injuries from terrorist gunfire. In an interview with Channel 7, Cohen described the harrowing moments of October 7th, when he heard the desperate cries of the two children hiding in a car near the station. Upon approaching the vehicle, he discovered a young woman shot in the head. When he identified himself as a police officer, the two girls emerged, asking if he was 'from Israel.' Shortly after, heavy gunfire erupted from the direction of the police station, which had become a focal point of intense fighting against Hamas terrorists. Cohen detailed how 26 armed terrorists had infiltrated the station, with many officers killed. Despite the intense crossfire, Cohen and another officer managed to reach the car, pull the girls out, and flee north. Cohen, however, remained to engage the terrorists. He described spotting a terrorist in the station's gym and attempting to evade the line of fire, but was hit by heavy gunfire at close range. He recounted being shot at least 14 times from about 15 meters away and continuing to crawl for safety while bullets whizzed overhead. He was eventually pulled to cover by another individual and later evacuated by two soldiers. Cohen stated that he went to war and gave his life for it. Three years later, approximately 200 shrapnel fragments remain in his body, primarily on his left side, and he faces ongoing medical treatments and potential surgeries. Despite his injuries and having passed retirement age, Cohen has returned to his police duties, viewing his uniform as a way to honor his fallen comrades and affirm the resilience of the Israeli people. He emphasized that his decision to check the car was spontaneous and that he did not know the children were inside. Cohen also highlighted the crucial role of the police officers who were among the first responders, acting as a bulwark against the terrorists and preventing further atrocities in the city. He believes Sderot has recovered and returned to its normal life, and despite his wounds, he maintains a message of national strength: 'The people of Israel live and endure. We will not fall.'