Adi’s Ordeal: A Tale of Terror, Bravery, and Survival in Kibbutz Beeri

Adi Efrat from Kibbutz Beeri has been through a harrowing experience. Terrorists broke into her safe room and abducted her. During her ordeal, she encountered a wounded mother and crying children and found herself in a tiny room that terrorists used as a shooting point. She can’t forget the unit that rescued her, describing them as “angels” and recalling how they assured her of their commitment to civilians.

She recounts, “My story is harrowing; I keep recalling more and more details.” On that dreadful morning, her husband and children were elsewhere, leaving her alone in the safe room when terrorists invaded her home. “I heard someone trying to enter. I informed my family via our WhatsApp group. Within a minute, they were inside, laughing. I pondered my next move if they entered the safe room. I wasn’t aware that the door handle should be kept up. Suddenly, they were right there, staring at me.”

The initial encounter was intimidating but non-violent. “Two of them approached, one speaking English and the other Arabic. I understand some Arabic. They reassured me, saying, ‘Don’t worry, we won’t harm you.’ I pleaded with them to leave. Clad in my pajamas and robe, they insisted I accompany them, asking if I had a car. I explained that the kibbutz had many vehicles and offered to take them to the key cabinet. They allowed me to dress, watching closely to ensure I didn’t arm myself. They then escorted me through the kibbutz.”

During their walk, they inquired about her family. Spotting a distant soldier, she gestured her inability to escape, given their weapons and their grip on her. Gunfire ensued, prompting the terrorists to drag her along. Adi tried to redirect them, causing some confusion among the group.

Soon, they led her to a residence housing an elderly woman, a caregiver, and more terrorists. “These new faces were more organized and intimidating. They handcuffed me and tried to ensure the elderly lady remained calm. Disturbingly, a young child was thrust into the room, crying out for his father. Another child and his injured mother, whom I recognized, were brought in. The mother, covered in blood, whispered to me about her husband’s shooting and her baby’s death.”

One terrorist explained his actions, saying those who didn’t comply were shot. Adi realized her survival depended on obedience. They directed her to a car, asking her to retrieve their deceased comrades. As she approached, gunfire erupted, and the terrorists fled with her to another location.

“They took me to a destroyed house littered with weapons. Nearby, a vehicle was ablaze, with bodies scattered around. They tried to usher me inside, but the heat was unbearable. I spotted a nearby warehouse and sought refuge there, only to find it occupied by combatants.”

The fighting intensified. “Shrapnel flew around, and I shielded myself with a binder. I padded my hiding spot with diaper packages. As the number of terrorists dwindled, I heard Hebrew voices. The terrorists fled.”

Emerging from her hiding spot, Adi called out to the soldiers. The ensuing rescue was fraught with danger. “The soldiers were my lifeline. They assured me of my safety and their dedication to their mission.”

Throughout the ordeal, Adi witnessed the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers. “They faced injuries and challenges but remained resolute. Their dedication to protecting civilians was unwavering.”

The soldiers eventually evacuated Adi and the other injured individuals from the kibbutz. Reflecting on her ordeal, she says, “It’s a miracle I survived. To this day, I’m unsure of the fate of the woman and her two children.”