In a harrowing incident on Tuesday in Tel Aviv, an Israeli military reservist who survived the recent Nova music festival massacre has been commended as a "hero" for his quick actions against two gunmen. The attack took place on Jerusalem Boulevard in Jaffa, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and injuring 16 others, according to Israeli police.
The tragedy unfolded just minutes before Iran launched a massive missile strike on Israel, marking one of the largest such attacks in history. This bombardment sent sirens echoing across the nation, prompting citizens to seek shelter.
Survivor's Brave Response
Lev Kreitman, who had served six months in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza, was seen in footage shared online confronting the assailants while dressed in a pink shirt, white shorts, and flip-flops. He was caught on video firing at an unidentified target before retreating from the scene.
Speaking to Channel 11, Kreitman recounted the moment he spotted what he identified as "two terrorists," one of whom was advancing towards him. “The other goes somewhere else, runs somewhere else, and I’m here, right where we’re standing, I surprised him from the side, shoot,” he recalled, emphasizing the chaotic environment of alarms and missile interceptions.
Kreitman was a survivor of the October 7 assault on the Nova festival, a tragic event orchestrated by Hamas that left around 1,200 people dead and many others taken hostage. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 41,000 lives in Gaza, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Details of The Attack
According to police reports, the attack in Jaffa began when the gunmen opened fire on passengers of a light rail car. They then proceeded on foot along Jerusalem Boulevard, where they continued their rampage. Security forces and civilians, including Kreitman, responded, ultimately subduing the attackers. The assailants were armed with an M-16 rifle and a knife.
Emergency responders treated victims at multiple locations, including near train tracks, at a synagogue, and in a local butcher shop, while air raid sirens blared across the region.
Authorities identified the attackers as Muhammad Mask, 19, who was killed at the scene, and Ahmed Himoni, 25, who was seriously injured. Both men were residents of Hebron in the occupied West Bank. Following the assault, the Israel Security Agency and IDF detained several individuals believed to have assisted the gunmen.
In a statement on X, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised Kreitman for his bravery, stating he had “neutralized the attack” and saved many lives. He also urged other citizens to arm themselves for self-defense.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the victims' families.
A Community Leader in Crisis
Kreitman, who is the head of Midburn—the Israeli version of the Burning Man festival—had been nearby with friends when he heard the gunfire. “I returned home just before the attack to grab my rifle,” he said. After spotting a man in an Israel Police hat also armed with a rifle, the two began to search for the attackers together.
Upon hearing more shots, Kreitman located the assailants at the light rail station, close to their victims. He sent a voice note to his army friends, alerting them to the situation and indicating he was preparing to engage. As the attackers split up, he surprised one of them and successfully shot him.
Kreitman later sought refuge in a nearby building, worried about the second gunman. After checking on the wounded, he discovered one victim still alive, though he later expressed concern about their fate.
This incident highlights the bravery and resilience of individuals like Kreitman, who, amid chaos, acted decisively to protect others.
The tragedy unfolded just minutes before Iran launched a massive missile strike on Israel, marking one of the largest such attacks in history. This bombardment sent sirens echoing across the nation, prompting citizens to seek shelter.
Survivor's Brave Response
Lev Kreitman, who had served six months in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza, was seen in footage shared online confronting the assailants while dressed in a pink shirt, white shorts, and flip-flops. He was caught on video firing at an unidentified target before retreating from the scene.
Speaking to Channel 11, Kreitman recounted the moment he spotted what he identified as "two terrorists," one of whom was advancing towards him. “The other goes somewhere else, runs somewhere else, and I’m here, right where we’re standing, I surprised him from the side, shoot,” he recalled, emphasizing the chaotic environment of alarms and missile interceptions.
And now, the most Israeli story ever: the man who neutralized the terrorist in Jaffa is the chair of Israel’s “Burning Man”, Midburn, who happened to be in the area (he’s also a Nova survivor).
— Yael Bar tur 🎗️ (@yaelbt) October 1, 2024
He did it in flip flops. pic.twitter.com/4b89iOlBhw
Kreitman was a survivor of the October 7 assault on the Nova festival, a tragic event orchestrated by Hamas that left around 1,200 people dead and many others taken hostage. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 41,000 lives in Gaza, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Details of The Attack
According to police reports, the attack in Jaffa began when the gunmen opened fire on passengers of a light rail car. They then proceeded on foot along Jerusalem Boulevard, where they continued their rampage. Security forces and civilians, including Kreitman, responded, ultimately subduing the attackers. The assailants were armed with an M-16 rifle and a knife.
Emergency responders treated victims at multiple locations, including near train tracks, at a synagogue, and in a local butcher shop, while air raid sirens blared across the region.
New Nice Jewish Boy just dropped 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ckfe3gdx9C
— Yael Bar tur 🎗️ (@yaelbt) October 1, 2024
Authorities identified the attackers as Muhammad Mask, 19, who was killed at the scene, and Ahmed Himoni, 25, who was seriously injured. Both men were residents of Hebron in the occupied West Bank. Following the assault, the Israel Security Agency and IDF detained several individuals believed to have assisted the gunmen.
In a statement on X, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised Kreitman for his bravery, stating he had “neutralized the attack” and saved many lives. He also urged other citizens to arm themselves for self-defense.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the victims' families.
A Community Leader in Crisis
Kreitman, who is the head of Midburn—the Israeli version of the Burning Man festival—had been nearby with friends when he heard the gunfire. “I returned home just before the attack to grab my rifle,” he said. After spotting a man in an Israel Police hat also armed with a rifle, the two began to search for the attackers together.
Upon hearing more shots, Kreitman located the assailants at the light rail station, close to their victims. He sent a voice note to his army friends, alerting them to the situation and indicating he was preparing to engage. As the attackers split up, he surprised one of them and successfully shot him.
Kreitman later sought refuge in a nearby building, worried about the second gunman. After checking on the wounded, he discovered one victim still alive, though he later expressed concern about their fate.
This incident highlights the bravery and resilience of individuals like Kreitman, who, amid chaos, acted decisively to protect others.
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