DocuText film ‘Safe Room’ tells moving account of how strangers transformed into family on Oct. 7

A documentary titled Safe Room, directed by Haley Geffen, presents a compelling account of how a group of strangers became a makeshift family following the October 7 attack by Hamas. The film, scheduled for screening at the National Library of Israel as part of the DocuText Festival from August 17 to 20, highlights the emotional journey of survivors who gathered in the safe room of Dr. Gedalya Fendel during the crisis. On October 7, the attack targeted communities along the Gaza border, resulting in widespread devastation. Dr. Fendel, who resides on Moshav Shuva, established an improvised field hospital near his home. He made the decision to bring survivors who required less immediate medical attention to his residence instead of sending them to hospitals, where conditions were deemed unsafe. His wife, Merav Fendel, and their four children welcomed these individuals, creating a temporary haven amid chaos. Among the survivors was Sapir Ben Ezra, a pregnant woman whose home was set ablaze by terrorists. She remained in her safe room for several hours, fearing for her unborn child. Dr. Fendel recognized her need for comfort and care, which his family could provide. Other survivors included Aliza and Tzachi Gad, who had spent 13 hours hiding in their home on Kibbutz Be’eri before reaching the Fendels. Two children, Michael Idan and Amalia Idan, aged nine and six respectively, joined the group after being rescued from their home on Kibbutz Kfar Aza. They witnessed the deaths of their parents, Smadar Mor Idan and Roee Idan, and believed their sister, Avigail Idan, had also perished. The children took refuge in a closet for 14 hours, receiving guidance from Tamar Schlesinger, a social worker featured in the film. Schlesinger advised them not to open the door when terrorists approached and offered them emotional support throughout their ordeal. Avigail Idan was later discovered alive in Gaza and held hostage for 50 days. The three Idan children were eventually adopted by their aunt, Leron Mor, and their uncle, Zoli Guyongyosi, both of whom appear in the film. The documentary captures the profound transformation of these individuals from strangers to a close-knit community, emphasizing themes of resilience, compassion, and the enduring bonds formed in times of extreme adversity. Safe Room also explores the concept of a safe room, a term familiar to many Israelis but perhaps less so to international audiences. The film includes insights from Brig.-Gen. (res.) Tzviki Tessler, who served as a spokesperson for the Home Front Command during the conflict. Tessler explains the significance of safe rooms in ensuring personal safety during such crises. Geffen chose the title Safe Room deliberately, stating that it carries no specific cultural or national connotations. Instead, it symbolizes the sanctuary these individuals found within each other. The film aims to convey a narrative that transcends political boundaries, focusing on universal human experiences of fear, loss, and recovery. The documentary features interviews with several key figures, including Merav Fendel and Dr. Tamar Schlesinger, who will participate in a post-screening discussion. Geffen emphasizes the importance of storytelling that resonates with everyday people, hoping to foster empathy and understanding among viewers. Her goal is to remind audiences that behind the headlines lie individual stories filled with emotion and humanity.