Actress Madhura Naik Remembers Family’s Tragic Encounter with Hamas

Television actor Madhura Naik, known for her role as Mayuri in the first season of “Naagin,” recounted her family’s harrowing experience with Hamas terrorists in Israel last year. During an event in New Delhi organized by the Israeli Embassy, she described the incident as “the darkest day” for her family as they were victims of the October 7 attacks.

Naik, who is a Jew of Indian origin, revealed the tragic loss of her cousin and brother-in-law in the crossfire that tore through the town of Sderot. “We follow Judaism but along with that, we also have adapted to Hindu traditions,” Naik remarked, highlighting her family’s cultural background. She explained that her grandmother was the 14th child in her family, with 13 siblings who returned to Israel in the 1970s. “It was home for them,” Naik shared.

The attack left a deep scar on her family, with her cousin and her husband brutally murdered in front of their daughters, aged six and three. Naik tearfully recalled the older daughter’s words during her rescue, “Are you the Israeli police? Please save the kid next to me.”

Highlighting the indiscriminate nature of terrorism, Naik stated, “Hatred breeds terrorism and it knows no religion, race, or gender.” She recounted how an Arab Muslim man attempted to save her relatives during the attack, only to be killed himself. “Their terror knows no religion or race, or gender, nor age,” she said.

Naik’s reflections were part of a broader commemoration marking one year since the October 7 attacks, which saw about 2,500 Hamas terrorists penetrate Israel’s borders from the Gaza Strip, causing numerous casualties and hostage situations. In response, Israel has targeted Hamas infrastructures in Gaza, although efforts have been made to minimize civilian casualties.

Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, echoed the impact of the attacks on the Israeli community, stating, “One year ago, October 7 shook our being. Israel will prevail. We will defeat our enemies. We will bring back hostages.”