On October 7, 2023, Sgt. Yoav Tzivoni, an Israeli special forces soldier, found himself thrust into a war against the terrorist group Hamas. Just hours earlier, he had been celebrating his birthday on a beach in the Sinai Peninsula with his girlfriend. But after receiving news of the savage attacks carried out by Hamas that claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israeli civilians attending a music festival, Tzivoni was called to duty.
A year later, Tzivoni shared his harrowing story at “A Texas Tribute,” an event organized by America for Israel and other Jewish groups near Dallas. The event aimed to honor Israel and commemorate the events of October 7th. It featured survivor stories from the Holocaust as well as discussions on antisemitism in schools and college campuses.
State senators and representatives also announced plans for new legislation to address campus antisemitism in the coming year. This legislation may include deportation for foreign nationals who harass or threaten Jewish students.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz delivered the keynote speech at the event and discussed measures that could be taken to combat antisemitism both in Texas and across the nation amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and requested religious leaders to light candles during their next services as a mark of observance.
During his emotional address, Tzivoni recounted how he first learned about rocket attacks on Israel while checking his phone at a restaurant after leaving the beach with his girlfriend. He described seeing videos of pickup trucks filled with armed terrorists and realizing that Israel was under attack.
Tzivoni’s military unit was soon dispatched to Gaza where they fought against Hamas terrorists and rescued hostages throughout late October. However, tragedy struck on November 20th when an explosion severely injured him—blowing off his left leg—and left him deaf in one ear.
Despite enduring multiple injuries including burns and shrapnel wounds all over his body along with broken bones in his jaw, Tzivoni survived thanks to first aid administered by fellow soldiers under enemy fire before being evacuated by helicopter.
Another survivor speaking at “A Texas Tribute,” Ofir Bugana shared her miraculous escape from Re’im kibbutz during that fateful day’s massacre at Nova Music Festival. She recalled driving away unharmed while witnessing terrorists shooting at people around them—a bullet never touched their car.
Bugana attr