Ofer and Michal Wiener on October 7th | Kan 07.10.360

The day preceding the attack, the funeral of Laurian Enrico Navon, Michal Wiener's father (60), was held at Kibbutz Kfar Aza cemetery. Michal's mother, her husband Ofer, and their four children—Yahav (37), Almog (35), Daniel (31), and Asaf (26)—attended the funeral. Afterward, Asaf and Michal's mother, Sylvie Navon (88), decided to stay at Michal and Ofer’s house for the night. The following Saturday morning, as red alerts sound, the four of them shelter in the house's safe room. Meanwhile, Yahav and Almog, who live in the same kibbutz, take refuge in their own safe rooms.

Members of the kibbutz’s WhatsApp group suspect terrorists have infiltrated the kibbutz. Ofer turns on the television and realizes that terrorists are attacking the city of Sderot. He locks the house, grabs a bottle of water, and rushes back to the safe room. Meanwhile, Daniel, Michal’s daughter who doesn’t live in the kibbutz, Liron HaCohen Almog’s wife; and Michal herself—stay informed of the unfolding events across the region and message each other.

Yahav Wiener, Ofer and Michal's son also lives in kibbutz Kfar Aza with his wife Shai-Lee Atari, and their new born one-month-old daughter Shaya. As the alarms echo through the kibbutz, they rush to their house's safe room. About an hour and a half later, Yahav notices terrorists outside his home and messages his mother: "Terrorists are at my place." Shortly after, the terrorists try to break into their safe room through the window. Yahav stops them, allowing Shai-Lee and Shaya to escape.

Michal and Liron attempt to contact Yahav, but he does not respond. Michal, sensing that something is wrong, writes: “Something must have happened, I’m sure.” Around 09:00, Shai-Lee and Shaya find refuge with neighbours — Liron and Zoli Mor, (uncle and aunt of Abigail Idan). Upon arriving, Shai-Lee calls Ofer to update him on what happened to her and Yahav.

Terrorists break into Michal and Ofer's house and attempt to force open the safe room door. Ofer and Assaf hold the door firmly, successfully preventing them from entering. Frustrated, the terrorists steal money and valuables before fleeing. At around 11:30 p.m., Michal updates her daughter Daniel: “Something has happened to Yahav."

Liron attempts to track down Yahav and contacts a nurse at Soroka Hospital who informs her that Yahav is being treated at the hospital. Liron updates Michal, saying, “Yahav is in Soroka, in the emergency room.” However, about an hour and a half later, it turns out that this information is incorrect. Meanwhile, Ofer and Michal’s mobile phones run out of battery, cutting off communication with them entirely. Later, Daniel goes to a police station to provide details about Yahav.

Throughout the day, Ofer, Michal, Sylvie, and Almog, shelter in the safe room without light, electricity, ventilation, or access to a toilet. At a certain moment, they struggle to breathe. Ofer opens the window to ventilate the room, but heavy smoke engulfs the outside, forcing him to close it again.

Security forces rescue the four from their home and escort them to a nearby gas station at the kibbutz entrance. Along the way, Ofer and Michal witness the destruction in the kibbutz's youth neighborhood. Later that day, the family evacuates along with other kibbutz members to Kibbutz Mishmar HaNegev before relocating to an apartment in Tel Aviv.