October 7th
On 7th October 2023, Hamas committed the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust—a coordinated campaign of murder, rape, torture, immolation, kidnapping and terror against the communities of Southern Israel.
Beginning at 6:29 AM with a barrage of over 4,300 rockets, approximately 6,000 terrorists breached the Gaza border at 119 locations, attacking 21 communities including kibbutzim, moshavim, military bases, and the Nova music festival.
The attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,139-1,269 people, the wounding of over 3,400, and the kidnapping of 251 hostages into Gaza—including citizens of over 25 countries.
On this page, we bear witness to the testimony of the survivors and preserve the memory of those who were murdered. We remember and we document, so the world will never forget.
1,269
Lives Lost
695-810
Civilians Killed
Including 36-38 children
373-379
Security Forces
Soldiers, police, Shin Bet
71-79
Foreign Nationals
From 25+ countries
251
Hostages Taken
Including 36 children
4,300+
Rockets Fired
6,000
Terrorists Crossed
119
Breach Points
21
Communities Attacked
Sources: Israel Social Security Data, Human Rights Watch, UN Commission of Inquiry
Attack Locations
Hamas terrorists attacked over 21 communities across southern Israel, including 19 kibbutzim, 5 moshavim, and the cities of Sderot and Ofakim. These locations suffered the heaviest losses.
Nova Music Festival
The Supernova Sukkot Gathering near Re'im was attacked starting at 6:29 AM. Terrorists arrived by vehicle and on foot, systematically hunting down festivalgoers. This was the largest civilian massacre in Israel's history.
- 344 civilians killed
- 16 soldiers (12 off-duty)
- 16 police officers
- 44 hostages taken
Kibbutz Be'eri
One of the largest kibbutzim attacked, Be'eri endured over 20 hours of massacre. Terrorists went house to house, murdering families. The community lost approximately 10% of its population.
- 101 civilians killed (including 1 infant)
- 31 security personnel
- 32 hostages taken
Kibbutz Kfar Aza
Terrorists breached Kfar Aza at multiple points. IDF took two days to regain full control. Israeli soldiers described scenes of extraordinary brutality.
- 62 residents killed
- 18 additional security forces
- 19 hostages taken
Kibbutz Nir Oz
This small kibbutz of ~400 residents suffered the highest proportional casualty rate. Nearly a quarter of its residents were taken hostage to Gaza.
- 47 residents killed
- 76 hostages taken
- Highest kidnapping rate of any location
Other Communities Attacked
Timeline of October 7th
The coordinated attack unfolded over many hours. Israeli forces took until the following day to regain control of some areas.
Attack Begins
First air raid sirens sound in Gaza border communities. Hamas announces "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood" and launches barrage of over 4,300 rockets into Israel. Nova festival organizers call for evacuation.
Border Breach
Approximately 6,000 terrorists breach the border at 119 locations. 3,800 from the elite Nukhba force. Militants use vehicles, motorcycles, and powered paragliders to infiltrate.
Communities Under Attack
Terrorists enter Be'eri, Kissufim, Ofakim, Nahal Oz, Sderot, and the Nova festival site. Emergency standby squads identify approaching terrorists.
War Declared
Prime Minister Netanyahu addresses Israel and declares a state of war. IDF mobilizes reserves.
De Facto Occupation
Terrorists take control of areas in Kibbutz Be'eri. Much of Israel's south and Gaza border area under militant control.
Body Recovery Begins
ZAKA and IDF begin evacuating bodies from Nova festival site. International condemnation from US, UK, and other nations.
Counter-Operations
IDF reports ground and aerial operations killing terrorists in Kibbutz Nirim, Erez crossing, and Nir Oz areas. Fighting continues into the next day in some locations.
Media Documentation
These videos document the events of October 7th, 2023 through eyewitness footage and survivor accounts. These testimonies serve as a vital historical record.
The Hamas Attack
Documentary footage of the October 7th attacks on Israeli civilians.
Survivor Testimonies
First-hand accounts from survivors of the terror attacks.
Nova Music Festival Attack
Documentation of the attack on the Nova music festival.
Kibbutz Communities
The impact of the attacks on Kibbutz communities in southern Israel.
Survivors of the October 7th Terror Attacks
USC Shoah Foundation Visual History Archive
The USC Shoah Foundation is recording testimonies from survivors and witnesses of the October 7th massacres in Israel. These firsthand accounts are preserved as part of their Contemporary Antisemitism Collection and serve as a vital historical record for future generations.
About These Testimonies
These testimonies are part of a global effort to document and preserve the experiences of those who survived the October 7th attacks. The interviews capture the personal narratives of survivors, providing crucial firsthand accounts of the events.
Preserving History
The USC Shoah Foundation's Visual History Archive contains over 55,000 testimonies of survivors and witnesses of genocide and mass violence. These personal stories serve as evidence that counters denial and ensure these events are never forgotten.
