Described as a “hero” for his efforts during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on the Nova Music Festival, Rami Davidian will share his story at an event organized by Chabad Columbus at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 in New Albany.
Chabad Columbus Executive Director Rabbi Areyah Kaltmann said Davidian’s story is “unbelievable.” Davidian will be joined by one of the survivors he saved, Millet Ben Haim.
“This is an opportunity when we want the trauma and the devastation of Oct. 7 to fade away,” Kaltmann told the Columbus Jewish News. “But when … you’re teaching your children and grandchildren about Oct. 7, you’re going to be able to say, ‘I met Rami.’”
Kaltmann said Ben Haim was surrounded by Hamas terrorists, which led Davidian to pretend he was an Israeli Arab to convince Hamas she would leave with him.
Event co-chair Pam Borovetz said she learned of Davidian’s story from Israeli influencer Joseph Waks, who she started following after the events of Oct. 7.
“(Waks) had a new mission in his life to help the children, orphans and families of Oct. 7,” Borovetz told the CJN. “He became very close with Rami and they are now like brothers.”
Borovetz met Waks on her trip to Israel in February, where she learned everything Davidian went through. Waks will also be in attendance at the event.
Originally a farmer, Davidian used his knowledge of the area to rescue nearly 700 people hiding from Hamas during the attack on the Nova Music Festival where more than 380 people were killed Oct. 7. After her survival and rescue, Ben Haim “strongly believes” that being a force of good in nowadays world is the most important and meaningful thing people can do, Borovetz said.
“After experiencing living hell and great loss, (Ben Haim) did not think she could go on with her life,” Borovetz said. “She has now dedicated her life to share their story and spread light to fight antisemitism and help people who all survived Oct. 7.”
Kaltmann said he wants attendees to take away the idea of all being “one big extended family.”
“Although we are so lucky to live in America, in a great country of freedom and opportunity, we really want everyone to know that we are our brother and sister’s keeper,” Kaltmann said. “We have a responsibility not to forget about our brothers and sisters who are under a relentless attack and barrage.”
“I believe that this is a historic event,” he said. “… We feel very humbled that (they’re) only going to Columbus and Miami, that’s it. That means Columbus is really on the map for Israel activism.”
Kaltmann said the event will be a more intimate affair, and that Ben Haim was “on the way to being a hostage” before Davidian rescued her. Any donations will go to the Hayeladim Shelanu, an organization founded by Waks to support children, Borovetz added.
“We encourage people who want to help support this effort, (it) would be deeply appreciated,” Kaltmann said.