More than two years after the devastating Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the trauma of that day continues to echo far beyond the region. Now, a survivor who witnessed the violence firsthand is speaking out after controversy erupted over social media activity linked to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s wife.

Tali Biner, a survivor of the massacre at the Nova music festival, recently delivered a powerful message directed at Rama Duwaji, the mayor’s wife, after reports surfaced that she had “liked” a social media post suggesting that reports of sexual violence during the attack were a “mass hoax.” According to reporting highlighted by the New York Post, the interaction sparked strong reactions from those who lived through the events.

Biner, who spoke from Israel, said dismissing or questioning accounts of sexual violence from that day ignores the reality faced by victims.

“My message is simple,” she said. “Political narratives should never cloud judgment when it comes to the facts. Real people suffered.”

On the morning of Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a large-scale attack across southern Israel, targeting communities and a music festival where thousands of young people had gathered. Hundreds were killed, and others were kidnapped during the assault.

Biner was among those attending the Nova festival when the attack began. She has since described the terrifying hours she spent hiding in a small camper as militants moved through the area. For seven hours, she said, she remained concealed while violence unfolded around her.

During that time, Biner recalls hearing screams and desperate cries for help echo across the festival grounds. She says the sounds—followed by sudden silence—left little doubt in her mind about what was happening.

When she eventually emerged from hiding, she encountered scenes she says will stay with her forever.

Bodies were scattered across the area, and many victims showed signs of brutal violence. The memories have continued to haunt her long after the attack ended.

Today, Biner says the most painful part is hearing claims that the sexual violence reported that day did not occur.

“Hearing people say it was a hoax is deeply disturbing,” she said, adding that the denial feels especially painful when it comes from other women.

The controversy surrounding Duwaji began after social media users pointed out that she had liked a February 2024 Instagram post questioning reporting on sexual assaults during the attack. The post referenced criticism of coverage surrounding the issue.

Mayor Mamdani has said his wife is not a public figure when asked about the online activity.

For Biner, however, the issue goes beyond politics or public debate. She says she feels a responsibility to speak for victims who cannot tell their own stories.

The survivor has since left her career as a surgical nurse, saying the trauma from that day made returning to her previous life impossible. Instead, she has turned to advocacy and creative outlets such as music to process her experience and raise awareness.

Her message, she says, remains clear: acknowledging what happened on Oct. 7 is essential—not just for history, but for justice and for the dignity of those who did not survive.