Jerusalem: Natalie Sanandaji, a 28-year-old Iranian Israeli woman living on Long Island, survived the Hamas attack on the Nova Festival, an Israeli music festival that took place on October 7. However, she has expressed a desire to return to Israel, citing feelings of safety concerns in the United States due to increasing acts of antisemitism.
Sanandaji, residing in a Jewish community on Long Island, has observed acts of antisemitism during the protests in the city since the conflict began. She revealed to the New York Post that, considering the current situation, she feels safer in Israel and wishes to move there.
Despite questions from many about her safety in returning to Israel after experiencing the attack, Sanandaji emphasized her desire to move to Israel, stating, "now more than ever, I want to move to Israel." She mentioned that this is the first time in her life she has experienced hatred for her faith. Additionally, she noted that some of her friends are concealing their Jewish identities and removing symbols of their faith from their homes due to safety concerns.
Sanandaji shared alarming incidents in Europe where individuals marked Jewish homes with Stars of David, drawing parallels to pre-Holocaust events and expressing concerns about history repeating itself.
She also discussed incidents in New York, such as university students and teenagers tearing down posters related to "Kidnapped Israelis." Sanandaji clarified that the conflict is between Israel and Hamas, not between Palestine and Israel. She emphasized that Hamas, a terrorist organization, bears responsibility for the loss of innocent lives on both sides of the conflict.
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