On the morning of Saturday, October 7, Sela Maagan was enjoying the Nova Music Festival near Kibbutz Reim with thousands of others when the music stopped due to rockets being fired overhead from Gaza. Shortly after that, panic ensued when Hamas terrorists infiltrated the festival, mercilessly killing hundreds, injuring countless others, and kidnapping many Israelis to Gaza.
Sela, 23, is one of the lucky survivors. A former combat soldier in Israel’s navy, he currently works in the Ashdod Port. He and three of his closest friends decided to attend the festival, not knowing the horror they would encounter there.
When the terrorists began their attack, Sela and many of the other festivalgoers began to run, seeking safety but not knowing where to turn. Some took refuge in a mobile shelter, thinking they would be protected there, but Sela, who was shot four times, decided to keep running.
All alone, not knowing where his friends were, Sela found a place to hide and called his sister, whose husband is a member of Israel’s security forces. His sister called anyone she thought could help him and told their parents what was happening, calling Sela back every 10 minutes. At home, his mother was determined that Sela would survive; she packed a bag with food and supplies and waited by the phone. Finally, the family got word that Sela had been rescued. His three friends, whom he’d known since childhood, were murdered.
Since arriving at the hospital, Sela has undergone multiple surgeries and there are more to come. Even injured, after sustaining shrapnel wounds and being hit by four bullets – two of which are still lodged in his body — Sela radiates strength and determination. He is already on his feet and determined to heal.
He knows he lost three of his best friends and that many of his comrades from the Israeli army have been called up for the reserves, and that they are going to fight. Despite the hell he has been through, he wants to get better, visit their base, raise their spirits and encourage them.
While in the hospital, Jewish Agency Director General and CEO Amira Ahronoviz paid Sela and his family a visit, bringing with her financial assistance dispersed through The Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror (FVOT) and a message on behalf of the global Jewish people. The FVOT, often the first responder for families and individuals impacted by terror, distributes immediate grants within 24-48 hours of a direct attack, offering support for short-term needs and helping with long-term rehabilitation and post-trauma care. The message Amira relayed was one of solidarity and love from Jews around the world who contribute to the Fund.
Sela is one of the many injured survivors who have a long road to recovery ahead of them. And we will be there, doing all we can for the survivors and their families, as well as for the families of the victims of those murdered at the festival and in the attacks on Kibbutz communities near the Gaza border.
The Fund for Victims of Terror is made possible by the generosity of the Jewish Federations of North America / United Israel Appeal, Keren Hayesod, foundations and donors worldwide and people like you. Our aid is critical for victims’ immediate well-being and long-term recovery and we are currently operating and supporting more victims on a wider scale than ever before. To support the Fund, donate here.
