Hamas terrorist attacks survivor speaks to Binghamton University students

VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Thursday was the national day of mourning for the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, which was one of the worst days in Israel’s history. Binghamton University Students held a vigil ceremony Thursday night where a survivor of the attacks at the NOVA Festival spoke to the community.

Atir Vinnikov shared his story from being at the Israeli music festival as the rockets hit. He says security turned off the music and told everyone they were under attack and the party was over.

Vinnikov told the audience about how he ran to safety and survived.

Jewish Student Leader Eytan Saenger says Vinnikov’s story was inspiring.

“Their lives were taken from us as they were joyfully celebrating together. They were busy dancing, you know, celebrating life. And yet the opposite occurred, death. But as we hear from him, he has continued to move on, he has continued to inspire others with his story. And that’s what we’re trying to do, we’re trying to remember those lives, get inspired from them, get inspiration to move forward because that is what we do. We move forward even amidst the tragedy,” said Saenger.

The ceremony involved a candlelighting to honor victims of the attacks. One of them being Omer Neutra, who was planning to attend Binghamton University but was killed, and his body is still held in captivity by Hamas.

While the anniversary of October 7 fell on a Jewish holiday, students and other community members were able to come together last night to commemorate the tragedy.

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