Kibbutz Re’im, Israel On October 7, while most of the world was asleep, hell broke loose near Kibbutz Re’im, Israel. Hamas terrorists launched a brutal attack during the Nova music festival, targeting civilians hiding in bomb shelters.

And in the middle of that chaos, stood Aner Shapira, 22 years old, a soldier, an artist, a musician, and now – a national hero.

Here’s what happened: Aner and his friends took shelter in a small room as gunfire echoed outside. But this wasn’t just a rocket siren. It was an invasion. A terrorist—later identified as Hamza Asfah—approached and started throwing grenades inside the shelter packed with civilians.

Now brace yourself: Aner caught seven of those grenades with his bare hands and threw them back outside, saving the lives of everyone inside. On the eighth one, he didn’t make it.

That shelter turned into a massacre moments later – many were shot on the spot, others were kidnapped, including his best friend Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was later executed in captivity.

Aner’s courage is beyond belief. He wasn’t trained to do this. He wasn’t trying to be a martyr. He just stood between death and his people—and didn’t flinch.

Aner was also a creator: music, poetry, journals, and artwork filled his home. After his death, his family promised to honor his last request: “If I die, publish my work.” His first album is out. The second one is on its way.

Today, the bomb shelter still stands – covered in memorials, candles, and the faces of those who didn’t come home. Georgian Journalist Mikheil Khachidze visited the exact site where Aner became legend – and brought back these powerful images. This isn’t just an Israeli story. This is the story of what heroism looks like when evil comes knocking. Rest in power, Aner. You didn’t just save lives — you gave the world a reason to believe in bravery again.

Via What’s Up Georgia