Unbelievable Survival Story: How This Music Festival Goer Hid in an Orange Grove for 6 Hours

In a matter of seconds, Gal Katz, a 22-year-old, made a crucial choice that ultimately saved his life during a horrifying attack by Hamas militants at an Israeli music festival on Saturday morning. Katz and a friend quickly ran and concealed themselves in an orange grove as the gunmen drew near. For approximately six hours, they remained silent and motionless, anxiously waiting for the militants to depart, all while feeling the ground tremble beneath them.

The Israeli soldiers later rescued the pair. Unfortunately, Katzs other friends at the festival were not as fortunate and were killed by terrorists who found them hiding in a security shelter. "We all went to the party together, but they didn't make it back home," Katz told CNN Opinion. He shared that since the devastating massacre at Nova Festival, where over 260 people lost their lives, he has been attending one funeral after another.

He discussed his experience with CNN Opinion, shedding light on the profound shock felt by Israel's psychedelic trance music community, whom he characterized as individuals yearning for nothing more than freedom and love.

The opinions presented in this commentary are solely his own and have been slightly edited for brevity and coherence.

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Dashcam captures moment Hamas gunmen attack festival-goers

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Gal Katz: As we danced, the sunrise painted the sky. Laughter and joy filled the air, in the midst of which, some individuals indulged in drugs, intensifying the experience.

Suddenly, heads turned in unison, and curiosity led me to follow suit. To my astonishment, I witnessed the presence of the Iron Dome, a visible reminder of the ongoing bombings from Gaza, amidst the missiles soaring through the heavens.

Initially, I thought to myself, "Oh, they're just missiles." In Israel, this is quite common and doesn't raise much alarm. I assumed that if it were a critical situation, the security personnel at the music festival would intervene and provide us with necessary instructions.

After around 10 seconds, the music abruptly ceased, and we were immediately guided to evacuate the premises. Even then, we didn't feel overly worried.

Many individuals quickly fled in their vehicles, desperately trying to escape the imminent danger. However, personally, the thought of being in a car during such a crisis unnerved me. The possibility of explosions from missiles was a very real concern, and the combustible nature of a car filled with gasoline only heightened my fear. Additionally, I felt unfit to drive safely due to my intoxication from the party.

Consequently, we anxiously waited for any developments, passing the time with mounting tension. Suddenly, a group of three or four Israeli men burst in, their panicked shouts informing us of intelligence regarding approaching terrorists on foot.

While I was still serving in the military as a combat soldier, I learned that being informed about potential terrorist threats does not necessarily warrant being shocked. In the case of a small group consisting of one, two, or three individuals, they will be swiftly apprehended, and it is not a remarkable occurrence.

CNN: When did you realize the seriousness of the situation?

Gal Katz: We got in the car and started driving. People started screaming, panic was starting.

Of course, we werent really able to drive because of the traffic, a lot of people trying to escape.

I came across a video on my WhatsApp group where a friend shared footage of a white pickup truck in Israel, packed with at least six armed individuals who were all dressed in black. Katz then shared this video with CNN.

After watching the video, I realized we were facing something completely unprecedented. I couldn't help but draw parallels between the video and the intensity of Call of Duty. In that moment, my heart skipped a beat as the realization hit me - not only was this event unfolding, but I found myself right in the midst of it.

Gal Katz

My heart missed a beat. Because I understood that not only is this happeningbut Im in the middle of it.

I watch the video and hear gunshots simultaneously, but I can tell that they're not from the Israeli military because I would recognize their sound. The terrorists are using automatic weapons, specifically AKs. CNN: And at this moment, are you still inside the car?

Gal Katz recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing cars in front of her abruptly changing direction, while a multitude of vehicles approached from the opposite side. Meanwhile, a panic-stricken crowd scurried frantically for their safety. In a state of utter confusion and escalating fear, Gal found herself paralyzed with indecision as the sound of gunshots grew progressively nearer.

CNN: What was going through your head at that moment?

Gal Katz: Im trying to remain calm because its the best thing I can do at that moment. And suddenly I see an orange grove.

My friend and I began sprinting frantically. Abandoning our vehicle with the engine still running, a realization struck me instantly: to hell with cars, money, and possessions. All that mattered was the pursuit of a simple existence.

CNN: Did you formulate any survival plans?

Gal Katz observes a continuous flow of people sprinting past the orange grove. Concerned, she believes that the terrorists will target these individuals as they aim to inflict maximum harm within a limited timeframe. Recognizing the grim reality that survival is uncertain, Gal urgently urges her friend to join her in swiftly vanishing for a few hours, assuring that the situation will likely stabilize during this time.

We visited the orange grove and rested there for approximately five to six hours.

The terrorists have no interest in orange groves; they are searching for houses, cities, and settlements. They aim to cause extensive destruction.

We remained motionless, devoid of conversation, amidst the symphony of gunshots and bombings surrounding us, with the ground trembling beneath our bodies. As the chaos gradually subsided, our ears caught the faint sound of tranquility, leading us to the soldiers who came to our rescue.

CNN: But you had other friends who didnt survive.

Gal Katz: Im going to funeral after funeral. Its surreal.

As soon as we learned it was a terrorist invasion, and at the onset of rocket attacks, I promptly contacted a few of my friends.

They assured me, "Don't fret about us. We've taken refuge in our car, safely harbored within one of the numerous shelters scattered across the South. These robust metal enclosures serve as effective defense against missile threats."

I thought, "Wow, that's amazing." I secretly wished I could have been there as well.

Unfortunately, the individuals who sought refuge in that location didn't survive the ordeal. The terrorists noticed their presence, and without hesitation, they barged in, possibly throwing a grenade or firing rounds from their AK rifles.

Including my friends. Today was the funeral of the girl. Yesterday was the funeral of her boyfriend.

We came together to the party. And they didnt make it. They didnt return home.

Israeli music festival-goer Gal Katz pictured enjoying the festivities before Hamas gunmen targeted the celebration.

Courtesy of Gal Gatz

CNN: What kind of people attended the festival? How would you describe the culture of this music genre? 

Gal Katz describes the psy-trance culture in Israel as a unique community filled with individuals who prioritize freedom and love. As a music producer, Katz attests to the unparalleled presence of this scene in Israel, boasting some of the world's most renowned DJs.

The festival goers were vibrant and filled with joy, truly embracing the wonders of life. However, abruptly, their cheerful spirit is contrasted on a battlefield.

Honestly, my story is incredibly tender, and I am grateful for that. Sadly, stories of individuals experiencing heart-wrenching losses of their loved ones, including girlfriends and brothers, are not uncommon.

CNN: How are Israelis comprehending what happened?

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Gal Katz: Prior to this event, the highest number of Israelis killed by terrorists occurred during Black March in 2002, where over 130 Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers lost their lives. It was considered the darkest month in the history of Israel until recently.

Approximately 1,200 lives were taken, with around 200 individuals being kidnapped. There are still people missing and wounded as a result of the incident.

Its the most Jews that have been killed since the Holocaust. How can you accept that?