How a Fearless Woman Outsmarted Hamas with a Vacuum Cleaner and Rolling Pin

During Hamas' 12-hour siege on their kibbutz, an Israeli woman and her daughter managed to survive by securing themselves in a safe room, utilizing a vacuum cleaner and a rolling pin. This was just one of the incredible tales of survival that have surfaced in the aftermath of the surprise attack by the Gaza-based militant group on Israel. Other individuals have shared their experiences with CNN, recounting how they evaded danger by seeking refuge in bushes and hiding beneath bodies.

Irit Lahav, a resident of Nir Oz kibbutz, shared with CNNs Erin Burnett on Tuesday that upon hearing that Hamas fighters had infiltrated her community on Saturday, she sought safety with her daughter in a designated safe room, as they had done during regular bombings throughout the years. However, she quickly discovered that the room, which had previously served as a bomb shelter, was unprepared for keeping out the approaching militants, as it lacked a functioning lock.

All buildings constructed in Israel after 1993 must include bomb shelters, which are reinforced rooms equipped with concrete walls and heavy steel doors. However, it is important to note that these safe rooms are specifically designed to withstand a rocket attack rather than an armed incursion. Although the doors are indeed heavy, they are intentionally not lockable for safety purposes.

Amidst the escalating fighting, Lahav desperately sought guidance from her relatives and fellow residents of the kibbutz.

"There was gunfire and explosions all around. I was frantic, trying to figure out our next move. Would they try to force their way in? How could I ensure our door was securely locked? I immediately reached out to others in the kibbutz through texts and calls, seeking assistance on how to secure the door. Unfortunately, no one had the answers," Lahav recalled.

Lahav found salvation in an unexpected source when her brother shared a photo of how he secured his door using "two broomsticks." Initially uncertain about how to replicate this method due to the lack of brooms, Lahav had a moment of realization and utilized a rolling stick and her Dyson vacuum instead.

"Its hard to imagine how, you know that youre just going to die if they break in. And I was just tying these things to the door," Lahav said. "Its just fear, fear, fear."

Irit Lahav said she and her brother both used household items to barricade themselves

CNN

Lahav, while constructing the improvised barricade, recounted hearing men's shouts and the sound of objects being banged. Lahav expressed how, in that moment, she and her daughter sought refuge under the table, embracing each other amidst the darkness.

Lahav expressed that she and her daughter felt fortunate when, after a period of intense fear and resistance, the attackers finally departed from their home. However, their relief was short-lived, as additional assailants came back approximately an hour later, attempting to forcefully enter through the door once again.

Lahav revealed to CNN that the experience was incredibly frightening. In addition, the attackers returned for a third time, making it feel like an eternal and horrifying ordeal. According to Lahav's estimates, around 30% of the kibbutz residents either lost their lives or were taken captive during the unexpected onslaught on Saturday.

The Nir Oz kibbutz was among the kibbutzim, or small agricultural settlements, that were heavily targeted by the ground assault led by Hamas.

These kibbutzim originated before the establishment of Israel, with small groups of individuals establishing communities centered around the concept of communal living. According to the Jewish Agency for Israel, approximately 250 kibbutzim exist in Israel, housing around 125,000 people.

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I just covered myself with dead people

Hamas fighters also gunned down and took hostage revelers at the Nova music festival in a rural farmland area near the Gaza-Israel border.

Rafael Zimerman, one of the spectators present that day, managed to survive by seeking refuge in a bunker and camouflaging himself among the bodies to evade discovery. According to Zimerman, he and his companions initially fled from a barrage of rockets and subsequently found their way to a nearby bunker where fellow individuals were already seeking shelter.

He positioned himself towards the rear of the bunker, having been among the initial group of approximately 50 individuals to arrive, from where he could discern the commotion of the police engaging the assailants at the entrance.

Zimerman recounted an incident wherein gas was hurled into the confines of the bunker.

"With the gas, you cannot breathe," he said. "Its impossible to breathe after 30 seconds."

Following the gas, the attackers entered the bunker and began shooting and throwing flash-bang grenades.

"I found myself surrounded by a multitude of lifeless bodies," he revealed. "For hours, I endured the confinement, a mere spectator of death, hoping for its embrace. The torment inflicted by the gas had been unbearable."

Zimerman, bearing shrapnel wounds from the assault, recounted being among the fortunate six to escape the bunker's grasp.

"Im a miracle. Im a survivor and I have to be glad," Zimerman added.

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Video shows Hamas militants striking captured festival goer

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Taking refuge in bushes

Amir Ben Natan, another attendee of the festival, managed to survive by concealing himself in a bush.

Natan made the conscious choice not to join the many others who were escaping to a nearby field. This decision possibly played a crucial role in ensuring his safety, as footage acquired by CNN reveals that some individuals who ran to the field were subsequently shot.

Natan stated that he noticed a bush to the left and considered it as a potential hiding spot. Convinced that it was the optimal choice, he ventured into the bush. Natan then revealed that approximately an hour later, two policemen appeared and instructed him, along with a small group of individuals, to vacate the area.

Feeling unsafe, I quickly sought refuge in another bush. From there, I could hear the sounds of war in the distance, aware that a bullet, grenade, or any other danger could soon be directed towards me. Eventually, a moment of eerie silence fell, and I overheard the nearby conversations of the terrorists. In that moment, all I could do was pray that they wouldn't discover our hiding place. After the horrific incident at the Nova festival, Israeli rescuers tragically discovered approximately 260 bodies.