Actress Madhura Naik Recounts Family’s Tragedy in Israel Attack

New Delhi: In remembrance of the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel, television actress Madhura Naik recounted her family’s harrowing experience with terrorists. Speaking at an event organized by the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, she revealed the traumatic loss of her first cousin and her brother-in-law during the attack in Sderot, Israel. Naik described this day as “the darkest day” for her family.

Naik, an Indian-origin Jew, detailed the tragedy, highlighting the brutal loss of her relatives in front of their daughters, aged six and three. “They were brutally murdered,” she said, before recounting a poignant moment when the six-year-old pleaded with rescuers, “Are you the Israeli police? Please save the kid next to me.”

At the event, Naik condemned terrorism, stating, “Hatred breeds terrorism, and it knows no religion, race, or gender.” With a heavy heart, she shared how the situation left her family shattered. Naik’s narrative emphasized the indiscriminate nature of terror, noting the sacrifice of an Arab Muslim man who tried to save her sister and nieces, only to be killed himself.

The event also featured words from Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, who reflected on the attack’s impact, “October 7 shook our being. Israel will prevail. We will defeat our enemies and bring back hostages.”

The October 7 attacks by Hamas saw approximately 2,500 militants breach Israel’s borders from the Gaza Strip, resulting in significant casualties and the abduction of hostages. Israel’s military response has aimed at dismantling Hamas’ infrastructure, with efforts made to minimize harm to civilians.

The conflict also tangled regional dynamics, with Houthi rebels in Yemen launching attacks on Israel and other states along the Red Sea. According to Gaza‘s health ministry, the ongoing conflict has claimed over 35,000 Palestinian lives.