A Whisper from Within: Surviving Six Attacks

What happens to a person who narrowly escapes a terrorist attack after seeing death so close? And what if they experience this miraculous survival more than once?

"I know it sounds surreal and illogical, but between the ages of 14 and 16 and a half, I survived six attacks," shares Hadassah Corinna Gafni. "And not only did I survive, but I always knew they were about to happen; I truly felt it."

Before sharing her story, she clarifies: "I know my story is dramatic and unconventional, but after revealing it for the first time, many people contacted me with similar stories of miraculous escapes, emphasizing the same internal feeling—a voice calling and warning them. Today, as a believer, I know: that's the voice of Hashem."

Miracle After Miracle

Hadassah Corinna, 38, was born in Jerusalem. As a young teenager in the early 2000s, during the peak of the Intifada, buses were exploding in the streets, and we were truly afraid to leave our homes," she recounts.

"The first attack I survived was in 2001. My brother and I were in the car with our grandparents. Grandfather unknowingly drove into an alley near the Mahane Yehuda market where a car bomb with terrorists was planning an attack. They couldn't proceed because a truck blocked the road, trapping us behind them. Suddenly, an intense feeling overwhelmed me that something terrible was about to happen. I wasn't typically anxious, but something urged me to make us leave. I pleaded with my grandfather until he backed out, hit the car behind us, and drove to a nearby parking lot.

"Before Grandfather parked, he let my brother, my grandmother, and me out, and we started walking. Suddenly, we heard an explosion; the force made our bags burst, scattering our items. Initially, there was silence, but then the screaming and sirens began. I instantly knew the car that exploded was the one we had been stuck behind—realizing that's why I felt something was wrong. Miraculously, the terrorists couldn't enter the market and exploded behind the truck. The only fatality was a woman moving house that day, undoubtedly saving many lives."

After that first attack, more followed: "Do you remember the deadly Sbarro restaurant attack? My mother, young brother, and I were downtown. Mom suggested eating at Sbarro, but I suddenly felt the same dreadful feeling and insisted we return home. We left, and minutes later, heard an explosion announced as one of Jerusalem's deadliest attacks. Realizing again, I had narrowly escaped."

Gut Instinct

Taking a deep breath, Hadassah continues: "The next attack was at the Malha Mall—I was in the parking lot with my brother while mom went inside. Suddenly, a man in a heavy coat ran towards us, shouting and aiming a weapon. I tried to recite 'Shema Yisrael,' but forgot the rest. I muttered 'Shema Yisrael' over and over, as the terrorist approached. Gunshots rang out; I thought my brother had been shot, but it was the police taking down the terrorist. I have no idea how it ended, but again, I realized how close I had come to danger."

"Moreover, it dawned on me that despite not being religious, I couldn't even recite Shema. It wasn't comfortable knowing that."

Her family booked a vacation in Turkey during summer vacation, but last-minute changes moved them to another hotel due to overbooking. Upon returning, they learned the original hotel suffered a deadly attack, precisely during their intended stay."

There was also another escape before her unforgettable Shabbat. "My parents announced they were leaving for Shabbat, leaving my teenage self alone. I borrowed videos, cooked good food, and planned a quiet weekend. But moments before Shabbat, I felt a strong inner voice saying: 'You can't stay here; you need to spend Shabbat at your aunt's.' I begrudgingly packed and went, questioning Hashem: 'Why take away my free choice?'

"But that Shabbat, at 4 PM, dad came to wake me with terrible news. During the night, terrorists broke in and stole everything, even eating the food I'd prepared."

"That moment, I thanked Hashem for taking away my choice and saving me from potential danger. That was the beginning of my journey back to faith."

A Life of Purpose

Today, Hadassah Corinna is a teacher specializing in remedial education and runs learning workshops called 'Third Time's a Charm.' She's raising five children with her husband Amir, a psychiatrist aiding victims of attacks and soldiers with PTSD.

"Another amazing miracle for me is that I'm not traumatized or anxious from these events. I found my security in Hashem and do not have excessive worries. Experiences like these often lead to anxiety or stronger faith; fortunately, I experienced the latter."

"Initially, I felt guilty for not saving others, but realized I can contribute to the world in different ways. With the outbreak of conflict, I started cooking for thousands of soldiers on the frontlines. It's my small way of contributing to the people of Israel, and I do it with great love."