On October 7th, the tranquil beauty of Israel was disrupted by an unforeseen act of terror by Hamas(ISIS). The “Nova Festival”, a globally renowned psychedelic trance music event, had graced the fields of “Ra’im” with its presence. Enthusiasts from all corners had gathered for a night of transcendence, little knowing that the festival would turn into ground zero for a nightmarish attack.
Amid the throngs of festival-goers was Shani Gabay, not just a participant but also a local selector at “Ra’im”. When the calamity struck, her family’s world came crashing down. As the hours ticked by, her phone remained ominously silent. After countless attempts, they finally received a brief call from Shani, her voice tinged with distress. She mentioned tying a tourniquet around her wounded leg and being trapped inside a building. But just as abruptly as the connection was established, it was lost again, deepening the abyss of uncertainty.
Aviel, her brother, still vividly recalls those haunting hours. “Time seemed to stretch infinitely, every passing second adding to our torment. We clung to her last words, trying to decipher the building she was in,” he expressed, the weight of the unknown heavy in his voice.
In the ensuing chaos, Shani managed to send a digital location. It pointed towards the parking lot of “Ra’im”. But with no real-time update, it only added to the family’s burgeoning list of questions. Had she moved? Was she still at the indicated spot?
Driven by unwavering determination, their father plunged into the heart of the chaos. As he maneuvered through the terror-stricken venue, the grim aftermath of the attack surrounded him. Bodies lay everywhere, lifeless testimonies to the day’s horrors. Yet, he chose not to inspect any of them, the sheer thought of identifying his daughter among them too excruciating.
Even as days turn into weeks, Shani Gabay remains missing. The possibilities are harrowing – was she taken? Or did she tragically lose her life in the attack? The lack of answers only deepens the wound for her loved ones.
The story of Shani Gabay stands as a haunting symbol of the uncertainty and loss that permeates in the aftermath of such tragedies. As the world watches, we join the collective prayer for clarity, for closure, and most fervently, for Shani’s safe return.�