Tehila Cohen Reflects on Life After Losing Both Legs in 2000 Gush Katif Terror Attack

Tehila Cohen lost both her legs in a terror bombing near her school bus in the West Bank settlement of Gush Katif when she was eight years old. The attack, which occurred on November 1, 2000, also severely injured her siblings, with her sister losing a foot and her brother a leg. More than 25 years later, Cohen spoke to Channel 7 from the Kissufim Forest near Gush Katif, sharing the ongoing physical and emotional pain she endures from that day.

Cohen described her lifelong rehabilitation as a continuous process, emphasizing that the trauma and its consequences remain with her every step she takes. She recalled the deep connection to her childhood home and the painful memories it evokes, especially in light of the recent October 7 massacre, which she said feels like another tragedy unfolding in the same area.

Despite the heavy personal cost, Cohen advocates for addressing the root causes of violence, stating that the presence of Arabs near Jewish communities is a fundamental problem that must be resolved to prevent further attacks. She expressed frustration with temporary solutions and called for a lasting resolution.

Cohen also reflected on the broader experience of victims of terror, noting that the societal attitude toward the wounded significantly affects their recovery. She remains deeply connected to her lost home in Gush Katif, describing it as "everything" and "life," but urges a forward-looking perspective, encouraging young people to learn about the past while focusing on the future.

The interview took place during a special gathering of Gush Katif evacuees under the theme "Closest to Home," highlighting the enduring impact of the settlement's destruction and the ongoing challenges faced by its former residents.