Yosef from Rahat saved dozens from the inferno: "I couldn't sit at home while children were being killed"

Yosef Ziadna, a minibus driver from Rahat, rescued about 30 partygoers from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, under fire. Three years after receiving a civilian bravery award, he faces demolition orders for two of his brother's homes from the Israel Land Authority, citing encroachment on state land. Ziadna calls for coexistence and solutions for the Bedouin sector.

Yosef Ziadna, a minibus driver from Rahat, rescued about 30 partygoers from the Nova music festival at Kibbutz Re'im on the morning of October 7, 2023, under heavy fire. For his actions, he received a civilian bravery citation. Three years later, he faces demolition orders for two of his brother's homes, issued by the Israel Land Authority on the grounds of new encroachment on state land. Ziadna, who does not dispute that the structures were built without permits, seeks to place the enforcement in a broader context: "Instead of thanking us for everything we did on October 7, for running to save lives—is this what we deserve?" he asks. He directs his anger at National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Ziadna says his family has lived in the Negev for many generations and that family members serve in the IDF, Magen David Adom, and the fire service. On that same day, he lost four family members who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Holit: Yosef, his son Hamza, and his children Bilal and Aisha. Bilal and Aisha were released after 55 days in captivity, but Yosef and Hamza were murdered in captivity, and their bodies were returned in January 2025. Despite the trauma, Ziadna speaks of coexistence: "What matters to me is that solutions are found for the Bedouin sector and for the house demolitions, and that there be quiet and peace for all citizens of the State of Israel."

Yosef from Rahat saved dozens from the inferno: "I couldn't sit at home while children were being killed"