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Edited by: Fern Sidman
In an exclusive interview with Israel Hayom, survivor Elia Cohen has unveiled harrowing new details about the selfless bravery of his fellow captive, the late Ori Danino, during the October 7 Hamas attack. Cohen’s firsthand testimony, shared with Israel Hayom, paints a picture of extraordinary defiance and heroism in the face of inhuman brutality. His revelations not only shed light on the tragic fate of Danino but also ensure that the legacy of this courageous young man is forever etched in history.
As detailed in Israel Hayom, Danino’s abduction was anything but ordinary. The vehicle he was in came under Hamas fire, yet instead of succumbing to fear, Danino exhibited astonishing quick thinking. Seizing a fleeting opportunity, he leapt out of the vehicle and concealed himself in the surrounding foliage. When a Hamas terrorist discovered him, Danino did not cower—he fought back. Striking the terrorist with such force that he fractured his skull and caused him to lose his sight, Danino managed to momentarily disrupt the enemy’s control. This act of defiance, as Israel Hayom reported, only fueled the captors’ rage, setting off a frantic search for the individual responsible for injuring one of their own.
According to the information in the Israel Hayom interview, Elhanan Danino, Ori’s father, later confirmed these details, recounting how his son managed to evade capture momentarily before being ultimately identified by his captors. This instance of resilience was not an isolated occurrence—throughout the grueling days of captivity, Danino repeatedly put his own life at risk to protect others. As Cohen told Israel Hayom, Danino physically fought with the terrorists to secure medical attention for fellow hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who had sustained a devastating hand injury during the kidnapping. Thanks to Danino’s determined intervention, Goldberg-Polin’s wound was closed, preventing potentially fatal complications.
Speaking to Israel Hayom, Cohen emphasized that Danino’s bravery extended beyond physical resistance. Even while enduring unfathomable torment, his primary concern remained the well-being of those around him. His actions set an example of unyielding moral strength, inspiring his fellow captives and reminding them that the human spirit cannot be broken so easily. Cohen, deeply moved by Danino’s selflessness, described how his fallen friend embodied the very essence of heroism—standing strong even in the face of near-certain death.
Tragically, as Israel Hayom reported, Danino’s fate was sealed by Hamas. He was ultimately executed by his captors, his life cut short by the very forces he resisted so valiantly. On September 1, 2024, Danino was laid to rest at Mount Herzl Cemetery in Jerusalem, where he was honored as a national hero. His memory, however, refuses to fade. Through Cohen’s testimony to Israel Hayom, the world now bears witness to the extraordinary bravery that defined Danino’s final days.
Danino’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of terror. His sacrifice, as documented by Israel Hayom, ensures that he will not be remembered as a mere victim, but rather as a warrior—one who stood firm against the forces of darkness. His story will continue to inspire future generations, a testament to the unyielding courage of those who refuse to surrender, even in the most harrowing of circumstances.
