The haunting image of Vlada Patapov, known as the "Lady in Red", fleeing the Nova music festival attack on Oct. 7, 2023, became one of the most iconic visuals of the tragedy. Now, a year after Hamas' deadly attack that claimed over 360 lives and saw 40 people taken hostage, Patapov has opened up about her experiences and ongoing struggles.
In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Patapov, a 26-year-old mother and wedding planner, expressed her deepest regret: "If I had one wish, it would be to have told everyone at the festival one hour before the attack that something was going to happen so everyone could have got away."
The survivor, who was initially feared dead or missing, has been grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and survivor's guilt. "I survived but others weren't so fortunate. I think about that. It weighs on my mind," she shared. Patapov has been undergoing therapy and counseling to cope with the trauma, finding solace in speaking with others who shared her experience.
However, the ongoing conflict in the region has added to her distress. "Sometimes I think who can help me when all this is still going on around us and the fear is still here and it's still real," Patapov said.
During the attack, Patapov's primary concern was staying alive for her daughter, Romi, who was three years old at the time. "She will be four soon and for a quarter of her life she has known only war," Patapov lamented, highlighting the impact of the ongoing conflict on the younger generation.
Patapov, who attended the festival last-minute with her boyfriend Matan and a friend named Mai, found herself separated from Matan during the chaos. She witnessed friends being shot and killed as terrorists opened fire on the crowd. It took nearly 24 hours before she could reunite with her daughter at home.
Despite the trauma, Patapov emphasized the importance of resilience. "We can't let the terrorists win. We can't be weak – we must remain strong for Israel and for the hostages who are still in Gaza," she stated. However, she also expressed concern about the current security situation, mentioning rocket attacks from various fronts and the fear of terrorist incidents in daily life.
She plans to mark the anniversary quietly at home with her family, prioritizing her daughter's well-being. "When Romi hears the sirens she is so scared, she starts crying and with the anniversary [of Oct. 7] I just don't feel like letting her go to nursery," Patapov explained.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the attack, Patapov expressed empathy for the hostages still held in Gaza and their families. "Who would have thought we would still be in this situation a year on?" she questioned, highlighting the prolonged nature of the crisis.
The Oct. 7 attacks left about 1,200 people dead, mostly civilians, and some 250 others taken hostage. Some were already dead and their bodies were taken to Gaza, where 101 hostages are still held captive.
