Back to the 7th | WIZO – Stories of Resilience from October 7

Two years after October 7, WIZO shares the voices of those who lived through that day. Mothers, volunteers, educators, and survivors who found resilience, purpose, and hope.

This series features short interviews and the documentary Cut to the 7th, capturing the human strength behind Israel’s ongoing story.

Back to the 7th: Stories from October 7

Two years after the darkest day in Israel’s recent history, WIZO shares the voices of those who lived it — mothers, daughters, volunteers, and survivors who turned pain into purpose.

Back to the 7th is a digital storytelling project that captures raw, personal experiences from October 7 and the days that followed. Through short videos, interviews, and the documentary Cut to the 7th, this series gives a face to resilience showing how WIZO stood beside communities in crisis and continues to help them rebuild.

These are not just stories of survival. They are stories of strength, identity, and hope told by those who lived them.

The stories: 

Sapir Honyo | Participant, WIZO’s Home Front Heroes Program

“WIZO is always there, hand in hand with us to this day.”

After surviving the attack on her Kibbutz and spending 36 hours in a shelter with her four children, Sapir found support and strength through WIZO’s Home Front Heroes program — a space for women from the Gaza Envelope to share, heal, and rebuild.

Hani Shlomo | Participant, Fanny Cohen Open House, Sderot

“I was like any other woman, until tragedy struck on October 7.”

After her husband, Police Commander Adir Shlomo, was killed defending Sderot, Hani found herself alone with her children, struggling to cope. Through WIZO’s programs for widows and families of victims, she found guidance, therapy, and a moment to breathe.

Ella Ken Dror | WIZO Volunteer

“WIZO is my third family.”

Ella lost her son Yonatan and his partner Yaeli at the Nova festival. Returning to volunteer at WIZO gave her purpose and belonging — a lifeline to others who understand grief and giving.

Yehuda Zafrani | Graduate, WIZO’s Gan Vanof Youth Village

“This is my home. This is my nationality. And I am Jewish.”

After losing his sister Noy in the Nova massacre, Yehuda continues to speak of hope, unity, and pride.

Yael Katzir | Director, WIZO’s Fanny Cohen Open House

After surviving the attack on her moshav, Yael decided to give back. Today, she leads WIZO’s Open House in Sderot — turning trauma into purpose and helping others rebuild their lives.

Mazal Tazazo | Participant, WIZO’s Safety Net Program

On October 7, Mazal attended the Nova festival with friends. She survived the attack but was hospitalized with injuries and trauma.
Her WIZO social worker, Yael Zimran — who had supported her long before the war — came to help her through this new crisis, guiding her recovery with compassion and strength.

Yarden Pivko | Participant, WIZO’s Home Front Heroes Program

On October 7, Yarden’s father was at the Nova festival — taken hostage and later confirmed murdered. Her husband was called into service, leaving her alone with two small daughters and, later, a newborn.
Through WIZO’s Home Front Heroes program, Yarden found emotional support, community, and tools to cope while raising her children in the shadow of loss.

Dina Levinson | WIZO Volunteer

After losing her grandson Shay, who was killed and abducted to Gaza on October 7, Dina found strength and purpose through volunteering with WIZO.
She now teaches Hebrew to new immigrants and stays active in her community, turning grief into giving.

Mazi Sarafraz | Participant, WIZO’s Therapeutic Art Program

After years of caring for others, Mazi joined WIZO’s art therapy workshop on her moshav — where she finally began her own healing journey.

Roi Shahar | Krav Magen Instructor, WIZO’s Fanny Cohen Open House

After surviving the attack in Sderot, Roi began teaching Krav Magen across Israel’s south. His classes, including those at WIZO’s Fanny Cohen Open House, give residents of the Gaza Envelope strength, confidence, and a therapeutic outlet.

Scarlett Cohen | Director, Domestic Violence Prevention Programs at WIZO

While serving as a reservist since October 7, Scarlett saw the deep emotional and social crises facing Israeli families. She brought her firsthand insights back to WIZO, helping adapt programs to meet the urgent needs of women and communities living through war.

Resilience. Hope. Continuity.

Each story in Back to the 7th reminds us that even in moments of unbearable loss, the spirit of unity and compassion endures.

WIZO’s mission — to empower women, strengthen families, and rebuild communities — is more vital than ever. Through emergency programs, therapeutic workshops, and the dedication of thousands of volunteers, WIZO continues to heal the invisible wounds of October 7 and beyond.

These stories are a testament to the strength of Israel’s people — and to the power of standing together.

📊 Explore WIZO’s Impact Report 2025
🎥 Watch Cut to the 7th Documentary on YouTube 
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