Father Who Lost Hand on October 7th Shares Powerful ‘Never Give Up’ Message

On October 7, Amichay Shindler heroically saved his family by absorbing a bomb blast planted by Hamas terrorists outside their safe room door. Despite losing a hand and undergoing a long recovery, Amichay's story is one of resilience and courage. Ten months and one prosthetic hand later, his survival remains a miracle to those who know him.

Amichay's wife, Avital Shindler, has been navigating the challenges of raising their children and managing their household alone. Having been evacuated from their home in Kerem Shalom kibbutz, near Gaza, she has found strength in helping others. Avital has become a leading figure in a support group for wives of injured Israeli reserve soldiers, including those hurt during the October 7 attacks. Her group, Haverot Barzel (Friends of Iron), collaborates with OneFamily, Israel’s largest organization supporting victims of terror, to provide support and community.

The support group organized a trip to Magic Kass, an indoor amusement park near Jerusalem, for 160 families of injured reservists. These events offer a much-needed reprieve from the overwhelming responsibilities faced by the wives of injured soldiers. "It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you’re with other women who are experiencing what you’re experiencing," Avital shared.

For many of these families, daily life is filled with logistical, bureaucratic, and emotional challenges. The men, often unable to assist as they once did, face physical and emotional struggles that affect the entire family. Avital explained that planning a fun outing during the summer vacation would be impossible for many without support from organizations like OneFamily.

Amichay's journey of recovery is ongoing. After sustaining severe injuries, including burns, shrapnel wounds, and damage to his hands, jaw, and face, he spent months in intensive care at Sheba Medical Center. Remarkably, he has learned to adapt, using a prosthetic hand to write, cut salad, and even obtain a driver’s license.

The Shindlers' home was the only one damaged in the kibbutz during the October 7 attacks. Amichay bravely confronted the terrorists, refusing to open the safe door and holding them off until an explosive device detonated. Despite being gravely injured, his actions allowed his wife and six children to remain unharmed.

Two members of the kibbutz’s civil defense squad, Amichai Yisrael Witzen and Yedidia Raziel, attempted to aid Amichay but were killed by another terrorist. Eventually, Israeli soldiers regained control and secured the area, but not before the Shindlers endured a harrowing ordeal.

A paramedic at the field hospital recognized Amichay as the brother of Avishai Shindler, who had been killed in a Palestinian terror attack in 2010. The paramedic, unable to save Avishai, was determined to help Amichay, which Avital believes was divine intervention.

Today, the OneFamily-sponsored trip to the amusement park provided a chance for injured soldiers and their families to reconnect. Avital noted that being on a rollercoaster with their children offered combat soldiers an adrenaline-filled opportunity to bond. Shachar Moss, another mother, described the experience as deeply moving, saying, "When you go through such a journey, every small thing takes on new meaning."

Amichay Shindler's story exemplifies the power of resilience and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity. As he continues to recover, his unwavering spirit and dedication to his family inspire others facing similar challenges. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about stories of courage and perseverance.