On October 7, ordinary lives were violently disrupted.
This special evening brings together five Israelis, all connected through the Hapoel Rishon football club, whose lives were shaped by that day in profoundly different ways.
Among them are a hostage who survived 491 days in captivity; a soldier whose life-threatening injuries required five emergency operations in 48 hours; a survivor of the Nova music festival; a volunteer police officer; and an investigator in the Missing Persons Unit who spent 300 days searching for missing civilians.
Together, they will share deeply personal stories of trauma, resilience, survival and courage, and reflect on how October 7 continues to shape their lives today.
In conversation with Rachel Riley MBE, this will be a thoughtful and deeply human evening exploring loss, endurance, and what comes next.
Our special guest speakers are:
- Or Levy – held hostage for 491 days after being kidnapped from the Nova festival, where his wife was murdered
- Doron Mizrahi – survived the Nova Festival, helping evacuate wounded festival goers
- Saar Nechemia – suffered life threatening injuries after being attacked by terrorists
- Ido Stern - 300 days reserve duty in the Missing Persons Unit searching for missing civilians
- Meital Gabby - volunteer in the Israeli Police; brother survived Nova Festival
Or Levy
Or was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7 and held hostage in Gaza for 491 days. During the attack, his wife, Einav, was murdered. Since returning home, Or has spoken publicly about captivity, grief, fatherhood, and the importance of holding on to humanity even after trauma.
Doron Mizrahi
Doron, 27, survived the Nova music festival massacre on October 7, where he helped evacuate wounded civilians under fire. In the months since, he has supported fellow survivors through the Nova Tribe Mentor Program, helping others navigate trauma, recovery, and healing after the attacks.
Saar Nechemia
Saar served as a reserve fighter in Gaza following the October 7 attacks. During combat operations in Beit Hanoun, he was seriously injured when Hamas terrorists emerged from a tunnel and attacked his unit with anti-tank missiles and machine gun fire. Saar continues to speak about resilience, service, and the importance of Jewish unity and solidarity.
Ido Stern
Ido is a reserve investigations officer in the IDF Missing Persons Unit. Called up on October 8, he spent nearly 300 days on reserve duty searching for civilians missing after the October 7 massacre. Married with three children, Ido describes this work as a deeply personal and sacred mission.
Meital Gabay
Meital is a fitness trainer, football referee, social media influencer, and volunteer with both the Israeli Police and IDF reserves. Her family was directly affected by October 7, when her brother survived the Nova music festival attack. She brings a perspective shaped by public service, resilience, and personal connection to the events of that day.
Rachel Riley MBE
Rachel is a British television presenter and mathematician, best known for co-hosting Channel 4's Countdown. She was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for her prominent work in Holocaust education and her vocal campaign against antisemitism