Australian-Israelis in Tel Aviv reveal war horrors

In the midst of warning sirens, missile attacks and missing loved ones, a 14-year-old Australian-Israeli boy asks how he can focus on maths homework when his friend has been murdered.

Solly Vanunu, 14, right, and his mother Sarah.

Australian-Israelis living in under-attack Tel Aviv have revealed the horrors of bomb sirens, missile strikes and missing loved ones, with one 14-year-old asking how he can focus on his homework after a friend was murdered by Hamas assailants.

Sarah Vanunu moved to Israel from Sydney 18 years ago. She lives in Tel Aviv with her husband and their three children, her eldest 14-year-old Solly.

“We’re trying to keep a positive face for our children,” Ms Vanunu told The Australian.

“Our two youngest don’t really know what’s going on, they’re getting restless – but Solly found out a friend was killed (in the attacks).”

A rocket-damaged building in Tel Aviv. Picture: Getty Images

Ms Vanunu, who has experienced other attacks while living in Israel, said “this one feels so different”, particularly given the emergence of social media.

“There’s so much content (of the atrocities) – it’s everywhere, it’s omnipresent,” she said.

“While there are some positives to that sharing of videos – like showcasing to the world the cruelty – it’s horrendous viewing. It’s distressing to know that children could watch it.”

Ms Vanunu’s son Solly told The Australian how his friend, Saghi, from the southern city of Sderot – who had visited him in Tel Aviv just weeks ago – had been killed, along with his entire family, by Hamas terrorists.

“He was one of my best friends,” Solly said.

“He came up to Tel Aviv a few weeks ago, he was very excited, we went to the big malls – we were happy, making jokes, laughing.

“The most painful thought is if I told him then that he’d have a month to live – you’re going to be killed in a few weeks.

“He was also only 14, it’s so hard to process.”

Rockets have caused damage across Israeli cities. Picture: Getty Images

Solly said it would be hard to return to normal.

“It’s hard to concentrate, how can I concentrate on maths homework when there’s people kidnapped and killed – it’s heartbreaking.”

Joshua Koonin moved from Sydney a few years ago. He runs a bespoke tour company from Tel Aviv, often for journalists or ­delegations.

“We actually flew back into ­Israel from Europe a few days ­before (the attacks),” Mr Koonin told The Australian.

“On Saturday morning, I just woke up and opened my eyes – seemingly for no reason – and then we just heard ‘boom’ and then air-raid sirens.

“We grabbed the kids and just ran to our bomb shelter – it was continuous sirens and missiles.”

The father of three said his young children were in shock, one in particular has been “traumatised”.

“Our middle child in particular was absolutely screaming – he’s been traumatised,” Mr Koonin said. “He won’t leave the shelter, every time you try and take him out of it he starts screaming.”

Joshua Koonin lives in Tel Aviv with his young family.

The Iron Dome, Israel’s ­defence system, works to intercept Hamas-fired missiles mid-air. However, even when deflected, the shrapnel can still cause serious damage.

“We heard one huge boom and we realised something was ­happening down the road,” Mr Koonin said.

“The rocket had cut in half and the pieces had blown out the front of this building. Windows and cars nearby were filled with shrapnel holes.”

Given the nature of Mr Koonin’s business, he’s got friends and work contacts across the country, particularly around the Gaza ­border areas.

“A lot are OK, but there’s a few (of our friends) we just haven’t heard from,” he said.

“It’s things you don’t ever think about. When you go to the stores, I’m looking out at every building for a spot to cover in if I can’t get back to a bomb ­shelter.”

Mr Koonin told The Australian the images of the protest at the Sydney Opera House on Monday were shown across ­Israeli media outlets.

“It’s absolutely shocking to see (what happened),” he said.

“I know there’s political differences in Australia, but it also makes me wonder how many think the same but are too ashamed to go out (to the rally).”

14-year-old Australian-Israeli Solly Vanunu, in Tel Aviv, shows how a bomb shelter in his family’s apartment keeps them safe. pic.twitter.com/WZTRg3xeqK

— Alexi Demetriadi (@ADemetriadi) October 10, 2023