In a harrowing encounter on October 1, Lev Kreitman, a survivor of Hamas’s October 7 attack on the Nova Music Festival, bravely intervened during a shooting attack in Jaffa, successfully neutralizing one of the terrorists.
Kreitman’s courageous actions unfolded just days after he helped rescue victims of the massacre at the music festival, demonstrating his commitment to protecting his fellow citizens amid a climate of fear and violence.
Kreitman recounted the dramatic moments leading up to his intervention. While shopping in a nearby store, he heard gunfire and instinctively stepped outside, drawing his personal firearm.
“I spotted another armed civilian; we started inching closer,” he shared. As they approached the scene, the chilling sight of civilians lying on the ground, some tragically dead, intensified the urgency of their response.
Identifying two terrorists in the vicinity, Kreitman advanced cautiously. “One of them noticed me and started moving in my direction. The second ran off in a different direction,” he recalled. Seizing the opportunity, he surprised the first terrorist from the side and fired, effectively neutralizing the threat.
Kreitman, who has a background in the Israeli Defense Forces and had spent six months in Gaza, reflected on the gravity of the situation.
“I understood right away that it was a terror attack,” he stated. “I tried to do my best in an unimaginable situation.” His weapon, a personal pistol he acquired after extensive service in Gaza, was instrumental in this critical moment.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir lauded Kreitman’s actions, stating that his quick thinking saved lives during the attack. He echoed a broader call for citizens to arm themselves for their protection, asserting, “Go arm yourself; it saves lives.”
Ben-Gvir revealed that the National Security Ministry had approved over 120,000 new weapons licenses in the past six months, emphasizing a growing trend of personal armament among civilians.
Kreitman, who serves as the director of Midburn, Israel’s equivalent of Burning Man, was present at the Nova Music Festival with his production team, planning the event.
Following the attack in Jaffa, he returned to the scene the next day to pay his respects. As he laid a wreath for the victims, passers-by recognized him and expressed their gratitude, exclaiming, “This is the guy who killed the terrorist; he saved my life!”
The overwhelming appreciation from the community underscored the impact of Kreitman’s actions. “The other armed civilian went to check on the wounded civilians but found there was nothing they could do, and in the meantime, all the rescue services had begun to arrive,” he explained.
After spending the night with friends following the traumatic events, Kreitman visited the police to provide his statement.
He expressed his commitment to honoring the victims, stating, “It is important for me to give my condolences to the victims’ families and pray for the wounded’s recovery. In the end, our enemies are afraid when we are united.”
Kreitman’s experience and bravery stand as a testament to the resolve of individuals in the face of terror, showcasing the significant role that personal courage and preparedness can play in safeguarding communities during crises.