By Rachel Lincer
On January 24, 2024, Roi Assaraf, a survivor of the Nova Music Festival, visited the student body of Yeshiva University to share his inspiring story of survival that changed the course of his life. The event, attended by hundreds of students, left an undeniable mark on the university. “It was inspiring to hear his story and how his Emunah was strengthened even after everything he went through,” said Stern student Devora Malichy (SCW ‘24).
Before October 7, Roi wasn’t too concerned with his level of observance, or keeping mitzvot. He loved to attend festivals and parties, he has many tattoos, and he owns a barbershop that originally wasn’t Shomer Shabbat. But after October 7, his life was forever changed. Consumed by the responsibilities of parenting two daughters, Roi and his wife Yona, rarely went out but made an exception for the Nova Music Festival. An invitation was extended by their friend, Elchanan, that prompted them to attend what was meant to be an evening of celebration.
The alarm Roi set for 3 AM never went off, causing them to arrive later at 6 AM to the festival. Noticing the amount of cars, they placed a milk carton on top of their antenna to be able to easily identify their vehicle amongst the sea of cars. They then entered the Mushroom, a private pre-event along with his brother, Dan.
At 6:28 AM, a pivotal moment occurred, that Roi will never forget, as he began recording the festival. It was then when he noticed two ominous shapes in the sky, which he initially thought were clouds. As he zoomed in, these two shapes revealed themselves as missiles. Panic ensued as security guards declared a code red situation, urging the festival attendees to disperse or seek refuge.
With his daughters’ faces flashing in his mind, Roi knew he needed to act smartly. He and his wife were among the first to escape through the emergency exit. Without thinking, Roi began recording a video for his daughters, but his wife reassured him that “Hashem is with us.”
As Roi, his wife, and two friends frantically ran to their car, Roi woke up a man who was sleeping in their car. Later on, he learned that this man saved 27 lives at the Nova festival. Roi called his brother Dan to warn him, and after six long hours of hiding, he survived.
Reciting the Tefilat Haderech, Roi’s instincts once again led him to ignore Waze instructing them to turn back to the festival and continue driving in the opposite direction. What they saw ahead was nothing anyone could have ever prepared for. Roi and Yona were confronted by a jeep filled with terrorists aiming towards their car. Amidst the chaos, Roi began screaming Shema Yisrael and from his rearview mirror, saw the jeeps heading to the Nova Festival. Roi’s friends in the back seat noticed an IDF base and questioned whether they should go or not. Again, Roi followed his gut and continued straight. Later on, they learned that this base was full of terrorists disguised as IDF soldiers.
After 5 hours of driving, they finally arrived safely at home.
Devastatingly, Roi lost 13 friends that day, and many of whom, including Elchanan, are being held hostage at this very moment.
Following this traumatic event, Roi discovered newfound strength and faith, embracing religious observance and mitzvot. On the fifth Shabbat following the festival, Roi felt that making Kiddush at home wasn’t enough and wanted to go to shul. Although Roi froze on the walk there and turned around, he refers to this moment as the first step on his religious journey. The Shabbat after, he went to shul and has been attending ever since. Additionally, Roi discovered Hitbotedut, a meditative and unstructured form of prayer, and finds this to be a comforting way to connect with Hashem. Roi has declared that the last tattoo he ever received was in memory of all the lives lost on October 7th.
Roi’s perspective on life shifted entirely. He went from worrying about life’s everyday challenges such as affording rent and childcare, to completely placing his trust in Hashem to resolve all his challenges. As Roi states, the Hebrew word for problem, Ba’aya, stands for Borei Olam Yiftor Hakol, the Creator of the world will solve it all.
As Rabbi Dan Cohen (Sephardic S’gan Mashgiach at YU), who translated Roi’s speech said, “There are a lot of intense emotions felt right now by Am Yisrael, but there is also unity and happiness.” Roi’s story underscores the gratitude he feels towards Hashem, and how unity should occur even without a tragedy.
Now, Roi is spreading awareness through his Instagram, @assarafroi, in hopes of inspiring others. He is also writing a book on his friend’s survival stories that aren’t being publicly shared. He began wearing tzitzit, and he now only serves male clients at his barbershop.