One of the most remarkable tales of heroism from the October 7 attack revolves around Staff Sgt. Aner Elyakim Shapiro, a fighter in the Nahal patrol from Jerusalem.
He and others sought refuge in a public bomb shelter near the Nova festival near Re’im, which was readily attacked by Hamas terrorists. Shapiro, at great personal risk, protected the shelter entrance, thwarting the terrorists' attempts to harm the partygoers.
Each time a grenade was hurled into the shelter, he snatched it and threw it back, preventing it from detonating.
Tragically, on the eighth attempt, he was fatally wounded. At least seven people who had taken refuge in the shelter survived.
Caught on film
An extraordinary video capturing Shapiro's heroism has surfaced. The footage details the relentless attacks, with grenades thrown into the shelter and Shapira courageously tossing them back.
At the 00:07 mark, the first grenade is thrown, resulting in a fatal outcome for someone attempting to flee. The terrorists fire shots inside at 00:30, followed by an RPG at the shield at 00:44.
Shapiro retrieves a grenade thrown into the shield at 1:02, successfully preventing an explosion. At 1:22, another grenade is thrown, and Shapira skillfully removes it once more.
Additionally, at 1:55, he successfully disposes of yet another grenade before it explodes.
The intense assault continues at 2:18, with terrorists shooting inside and throwing another grenade, promptly thrown out by Shapiro. Moments at 02:50 and 03:40 showcase his consistent success in ejecting grenades and safeguarding the lives within.
The Jerusalem Post and OneFamily are working together to help support the victims of the Hamas massacre and the soldiers of Israel who have been drafted to ensure that it never happens again.