Natalie Sanandaji, an American who survived Hamas’ assault, recounted her harrowing escape from terrorists and reacts to the rise of antisemitism and pro-Palestinian protests in the United States. Hannie Ricardo, a bereaved mother who lost her daughter Oriya in the recent attack, is urging Americans to pay attention to the terrorists’ support and is determined to make her voice heard. Ricardo, who was pursuing a master’s degree at Hunter College, has been deeply affected by the anti-Israeli demonstrations across the country.
Oriya Ricardo, a 26-year-old festival-goer, tragically lost her life during the brutal assault in Israel. Ricardo quit her job and halted her studies after receiving the devastating news of her daughter’s disappearance. Despite her efforts to reach out, Oriya was unable to answer her mother’s calls. Oriya, who was attending the Supernova music festival, was caught off guard by the sudden attack carried out by Hamas militants.
The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 260 civilian revelers, making it one of the worst civilian mass casualty incidents in Israeli history. Hannie Ricardo, devastated by the loss of her daughter, described the event as an unimaginable massacre. In response to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was at war. Ricardo immediately flew back to Israel, reported her daughter missing, and provided authorities with a DNA sample.
During her time in Israel, Ricardo stayed with the family of Oriya’s boyfriend, who had tragically discovered her lifeless body. Oriya was described as a loyal friend with a cheerful personality and a captivating smile. Hannie Ricardo expressed her grief and disbelief at losing her beloved daughter, emphasizing her beauty both inside and out. She criticized those who blindly take a side without considering the true nature of Hamas.
Ricardo, a master’s degree holder in Jewish studies, compared the attack to a modern-day Holocaust and urged people to question their opposition to Israel. She expressed concern about the rewriting of history in American law schools and the rise of antisemitism disguised as anti-Israel sentiment. Ricardo emphasized the importance of freedom of speech while cautioning against its misuse as a platform for hate.
As a Holocaust survivor’s daughter, Ricardo has a deep personal connection to the tragedies of the past. She implores Americans to wake up and start doubting the narratives being presented. Ricardo’s heart-wrenching story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of terrorism and the need for vigilance in the face of rising antisemitism.
