The three Goldberg siblings when the twins arrived in Israel on September 4. Ari (center) decided to dress as American as he could to embarrass them. Zipporah is on the left, Zev-Adi is on the right.
Jewish News: Where were you on Saturday, Oct. 7 when the terrorist attack occurred?
Zev-Adi Goldberg: I was in Dimona, spending Simchat Torah with my brother, when we woke up at 6:40 am to air raid sirens. We went outside to see what was going on, when someone grabbed us and brought us to the bomb shelter (Dimona is a small religious city where everyone looks out for each other).
After Simchat Torah, I was told to contact my madrich (leader), who told me to stay put, and that a friend would be coming to Dimona in a while. Since it was still the holiday for my family in Norfolk, I left a message on my parents’ phones letting them know I wasn’t hurt and that I’m safe. I stayed in Dimona for a week doing volunteer work and helping a close family whose dad was called up to fight.
JN: What brought you to Israel and when?
ZAG: I came to Israel for Mechina (a program that combines intensive studies of Jewish identity, Israeli society, philosophy, and Zionism with coursework in arts and environmentalism) on September 3.
JN: During this difficult time, did you lose anyone close to you?
ZAG: Baruch Hashem, I did not.
JN: What else would you like to share with your home community?
ZAG: Continue davening for Israel and a quick victorious end to the war.
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Zipporah Goldberg is the daughter of Adam and Chava Goldberg. She attended Toras Chaim Hebrew Day School and Bina Girls High School.
Jewish News: Where were you on Saturday, Oct. 7 when the terrorist attack occurred?
Zipporah Goldberg: I was with a family I didn’t know for Shabbat and Simchat Torah in Efrat (near the West Bank), along with my two best friends. I woke up to sirens, but since no one came to get me, I went back to sleep. My friends came in worried, and I tried to calm them down.
The family’s son was called up while we were there, so it was very stressful for them. Baer Miriam, my school, wanted us back, so we took a cab (from a Jewish cab company) back.
I texted my mom on Sunday night to let her know that I’m fine, and Zev-Adi and Ari (my brothers also in Israel) are fine, don’t worry.
JN: What brought you to Israel and when?
ZG: Baer Miriam is a seminary in Har Nof, near Jerusalem. I’m here for 9-10 months.
JN: During this difficult time, did you lose anyone close to you?
ZG: Thankfully, no. I know a commanding officer in the IDF. He’s my brother’s rabbi, and he’s on the Gaza border.
JN: How are you and other young adults in Israel feeling about Israel’s response to the terrorist attack?
ZG: I think the IDF is giving out too much information to Gaza and Hamas.
JN: What else would you like to share with your home community?
ZG: Don’t let them win. Don’t hide who you are because of it. Stay strong.