We all know the story of the massacre of October 7th. We all know the story of the ZAKA volunteers, who have worked tirelessly for 50 days, extracting bodies. But how will we tell the story of what happens to these volunteers, after their experiences? Who will tell the story of Natan Kenig?
Natan Kenig has been a volunteer for ZAKA for more than 20 years. When October 7th unfolded, Kenig was one of the first to arrive at Kibbutz Be’eri. For over a month, Natan worked his body to its limit, moving in and out of wreckage, digging through ash, uncovering bodies. It was backbreaking labor, and the sights he saw were so violent, so grotesque, they could not leave a person unchanged. Footage taken by Kenig of the massacre has brought journalists to tears.
Now a beloved hero more than ever, Kenig has his own, internal massacre to survive. Severe PTSD has created extreme challenges in the hero’s life. He is struggling to support his four children. Doctors recommend he enter intensive treatment. It could save his life – If he could afford it.
Some parts of the story have been told for us. However, some we still have the power to write. Natan and other heroes like him fought hard to honor the bodies of the fallen of the Jewish People. Work that very few can stomach. Now, will we step in to support him through the consequences of his heroism? Or will we turn away?