Israeli Paramedic Delivers Warning to West After Oct. 7 Horror

"I have never imagined it [would] be a year of war." That's what Dr. Shafir Botner, a veteran helicopter paramedic and director of Magen David Adom’s Paramedic School, told CBN News while reflecting on the first anniversary of Hamas' horrific Oct. 7 terror attack. Botner, who has seen many things over his more than two decades helping those in peril, said Israel has always had its struggles and battles, but that the past 12 months of war and chaos have been especially intense.

"Unfortunately, we can't see the end," he said of the nation's ongoing war against terror groups Hamas and Hezbollah. "Of course, we are more optimistic these days from the day on Oct. 7, but we still cannot see the end." Botner recalled hearing dozens of sirens last Oct. 7. Initially, he assumed it was a false alarm, but he immediately jumped into action once he started being alerted that injuries unfolded.

It wasn't until he was in the air and starting rescues that Botner realized some of what was happening on the ground. "We're flying above the south of Israel [and] we saw a picture," he said. "It was like taken out of a war movie. I saw smoke everywhere ... and we saw ... like a black screen and fire all over the south of Israel. That was unbelievable." Botner continued, "And while I'm looking at over and over again, I think like I'm looking [at] a Hollywood movie." The more they flew over Israeli cities and saw black smoke, the more ominous their realization that something had gone profoundly wrong. Then, as the day and week progressed, Botner and his team found themselves treating an "unbelievable" number of people.

And Botner also has a message for the West, particularly the U.S. and Europe — and especially for those who believe this is Israel's battle alone. "Regardless if they like or dislike Israel, if you will not stand next to us right now, you will be next," he said. "Look what's happening in Europe. The governments in Europe, the antisemitic waves in Europe, the growing of the radical Islamic groups in Europe, and even in the [United States]. Look at the universities. Look what's happening now. You are gonna be next." He continued, "That's what you need to realize. You don't have to like us, you don't have to be a fan of Jewish or Israeli people. If you will not open your eyes and see the radical groups growing, you will be next."

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[evadnesmith]

Great interview. As a Christian I stand with Israel and pray continuously for this great nation. Thank you CBN for all yiu do to keep us abreast of development in Israel. Thank you Dr. Shafir Botner, Israel Helicopter Paramedic.

[gailpetherick]

Thank you Dr Sahfir for sharing how it was Oct 7. 2023. Thank you for all you do in rescuing others and for the enormous courage and skill it takes. So much suffering. May God watch over you and all at Magden David Ambulance. The work you do is heroic. God bless you.

[evadnesmith]

Praying continuously for Israel and its people. God bless this devoted and parademic personnel. Praying Psalms 91 over you and your entire team. 🙏

[juliapegula]

God bless you, and keep you safe. Lord protect his family.🙏🏾

[ursulamunnik-seej]

Thanks for sharing, God bless you and your family. I stand with Israel. 🙏 For the Peace of Jerusalem

[menmeiaventh]

Forever with Israel...my savior will be back soon I love Israel same as I love Jesus my savior.❤❤❤israel ...India.

[jessicarichter]

I’m English, forever with Israel & LOVE the Jewish people 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧❤️🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱 We’ve suffered Islamic terrorism for decades not as bad as Israel but we understand. It’s shameful how my gov hasn’t supported you enough.

[Kadosh]

God bless and protect this man and his family. Psalm 91 over them 🕊️

[jordyb]

Praying for Israel and Jews all over the world 🙏🏾🇺🇸🇮🇱✝️

[angel-dcp]

Chronicles 20:15 says, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's'". 


Long live Israel 🇮🇱❤️ victory is yours always ❤

[gailpetherick]

May God protect your wife and family each time you are away Dr Shafir...May he give them a sense He is watching over them for good. May God give them and yourself His peace and angelic covering.

[lesleyknox]

So many people do care ..I am in Australia and following all of this. Especially sad for your daughter. God bless you all and keep you safe through this trauma. Turn to Jeshua if you have not already. We love the Jewish people ❤💔💝💖💗🕊💞😢😭👏

[IbimCookey-fw]

God continue to protect IDF soldiers and Netayau with all Israelis in Jesus name amen

[rhondaanakapu]

Thank you for your bravery. Thank Adonai for your life in helping many Jews

[nancybraybrooks]

God Bless you Dr Botner and your family!!! thank you for sharing your story.!!

[shirleynelson]

May the Lord remember Israel and deliver her from her enemies.

[janesmith]

Dr Botner is an incredible person. I am so happy that he survived Oct 7th and that his family was safe. One problem for me was that the interviewer's sound was loud while the guest's sound was low. Made it hard to listen.

[JeanMcLeister]

I pray for you all Israel belongs to the LORD

[hoganrichard]

Being a former emt/Army combat medic myself I understand totally how not understanding the "big picture" of a disastrous situation can delay fear reaction. Adrenaline Level is high and focus on the immediate task gives a well trained individual uncommon courage. Looking back I have no idea how I functioned or survived but that God is faithful. And He protects His own. God bless and keep His people Israel. May they have victory over the evil men that strive to destroy them.

[johnevans]

Always in our hearts and prayers 🙏 ❤, waiting on the Messiah to come 🙏 🙌