An Israeli couple, Irene Shavit and Netta Epstein, were torn apart in a devastating Hamas attack. Shavit, 22, fell in love with Epstein after their first date, but feared that their romance would end in heartbreak like many others. However, their love story took a tragic turn on October 7 when Epstein sacrificed his life to save Shavit from a Hamas grenade.
Epstein was one of the 1,400 casualties in the shocking Hamas attack, most of whom were innocent civilians. Shavit, devastated by the loss of her fiancé, expressed her gratitude for his sacrifice, stating, “He died so I could live, so I must live.” However, moving forward with her life presents a painful dilemma for her. She feels torn between betraying Epstein if she doesn’t move on and betraying him if she does.
The couple had plans to get married in April, and Shavit had already purchased her wedding dress. In response to the Hamas attack, Israel launched a fierce air, ground, and sea offensive on Gaza to dismantle Hamas. The conflict has claimed over 10,300 lives, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Shavit and Epstein first met at a bar in April 2022 and immediately felt a strong connection. They both completed their mandatory army service before settling down together in the Kfar Aza kibbutz. From their home, they could see the buildings of Gaza City, the largest urban center in the blockaded territory.
On the day of the attack, the couple was planning to participate in a kite festival with messages of peace towards the Gaza border. However, their plans were disrupted when a routine “red alert” sounded in their border town. Despite sending a reassuring selfie to their families, they soon found themselves in lockdown due to suspicions of infiltration.
As the attack unfolded, Epstein’s grandmother and cousin were among the first victims. In the safety of their shelter, Shavit and Epstein clung to their phones, their only connection to the outside world. The couple endured fear and uncertainty as they heard the shots getting closer.
Eventually, the attackers reached their bedroom. Epstein bravely confronted them, sacrificing himself by jumping onto a grenade to protect Shavit. The attackers proceeded to set the room on fire and flee. Shavit, resigned to death, managed to survive by hiding under the bed, shielded by a backpack and Epstein’s lifeless body.
Hours later, Israeli troops rescued Shavit while the battle to retake the kibbutz continued. Shavit now grapples with guilt, loneliness, and countless “what-ifs.” Epstein’s funeral was attended by thousands, but Shavit struggles to remember the day, consumed by grief for the companionship they lost.
Shavit’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the human toll of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
