Oct. 7 Survivors Yamit and Sativ Share Struggles for New Life
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Two women, Yamit, a Border Police officer, and Sativ, a combat collection fighter, who survived the October 7th attacks, shared their ongoing physical and psychological recovery at a conference. Yamit was shot twice at the Nova festival, while Sativ was shot during an attack on the Uriim base. Both women are dealing with chronic pain, nerve damage, and PTSD, and are undergoing extensive rehabilitation. The Ministry of Defense acknowledged the need for specialized rehabilitation services for women wounded in the conflict.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Border Police officer Yamit and combat fighter Sativ shared their ongoing struggles after surviving the Oct. 7 attacks.
- Yamit was shot twice at the Nova festival and suffers from chronic pain and loss of identity.
- Sativ was shot at the Uriim base, underwent multiple surgeries, and deals with nerve damage and PTSD.
- The Ministry of Defense is treating 30,000 war wounded, with 8% being women, and recognizes the need for tailored female rehabilitation.
- Both women are focused on rebuilding their lives, seeking employment, relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Two women who survived the October 7th Hamas attacks, Yamit, a Border Police officer, and Sativ, a combat collection fighter, shared their ongoing physical and psychological struggles at a "People of the State" conference hosted by ynet and Yediot Ahronot. Both women recounted the harrowing moments of the attacks and their long rehabilitation journeys as they attempt to rebuild their lives.
Yamit was at the Nova music festival on October 7th when the attacks began. She was shot twice, first in the back and then in the thigh and pelvis, while trying to escape in a vehicle. She described the fear of dying and sending a final voice message to her husband. Yamit continues to suffer from chronic pain, nerve damage, and difficulty with daily activities, but finds the psychological toll even more challenging, struggling with a loss of identity as a mother, friend, and wife. She is receiving psychological and psychiatric treatment, as are her family members.
Sativ was in her final week of military service when Hamas terrorists attacked the Uriim base. She was shot in the back during a firefight, sustaining severe damage to her pelvis, spine, and intestines. Sativ underwent life-saving surgery and additional procedures, including a period with a stoma, which she described as particularly difficult for a 20-year-old. Three years later, she still experiences nerve damage in her left leg, limps, and suffers from severe back pain and nerve pain attacks. She also developed post-traumatic stress disorder about two years after the event, experiencing guilt over surviving when her friend, Adi Groman, was killed.
Tzipi Feldman, Deputy Director of the Rehabilitation Division at the Ministry of Defense, stated that the division is treating approximately 30,000 "Swords of Iron" war wounded, with about 8% being women. Feldman acknowledged the need for tailored rehabilitation services for women, addressing unique needs in areas such as relationships, fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth, admitting that the system is not yet fully meeting these requirements. She emphasized that successful rehabilitation includes returning to studies, work, and social and family life.
Both Yamit and Sativ expressed their hopes for the future, focusing on finding meaning and rebuilding their lives. Sativ dreams of finding a partner, starting studies and work, and rediscovering her path. Yamit seeks employment or a role that will give her a sense of purpose, to find herself again after losing her identity as a police officer and a mother.
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