Kriti Mehrotra
Created by Daniel Finkelman and Oded Davidoff, HBO Max’s ‘One Day in October’ is a harrowing anthology series delving deep into the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. It comprises dramatic reenactments of first-person accounts, shedding light on how that fateful day was shaped by a combination of courage, heroism, loss, love, pain, and survival. Amongst those who stood their ground against the coordinated charge was Inbal Lieberman (or Inbal Rabin-Lieberman), whose efforts wholly protected the suburban community of Kibbutz Nir Am.
Inbal Lieberman’s Early Response Saved Her Entire Community
Born on October 9, 1998, in Kibbutz Nir Am into a well-respected family, Inbal Lieberman knew from an early age that she had a responsibility towards her people as well as her nation. Therefore, not long after graduating from high school, she enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a combat officer and proudly served for years before ultimately stepping away in the late 2010s. She later attended Women’s Leadership School, where her management and tactical skills shone to such an extent that she was appointed her community’s Security Coordinator in December 2022.
According to records, succeeding her beloved uncle Ami Rabin, Inbal made history as the first-ever woman in the Kibbutz to hold this position, following which she really proved her mettle. Her responsibilities here included helping secure the community during any and all emergencies until local police or military reinforcements could arrive, meaning she was the first line of defense. However, as per the show, by the time October 2023 rolled around, she was considering leaving to launch a new career as a tattoo artist, as she felt it was time for her to move on for good. Nevertheless, she remained dedicated to her job, which is why she jumped into action the moment she heard unusual noises just outside the Kibbutz on the morning of October 7, 2023.
According to reports, Inbal quickly assessed the threat and coordinated with all 12 members of the standby team before strategically deploying them around the perimeter to prevent anyone from entering. She even ran from house to house to alert residents of the danger, ordered the local electrician not to turn on any generators no matter what, and then headed to the point nearest the border herself. By the time her squad was in position, there was nothing but silence as well as tension in the air, only for there to then suddenly be attacks all across the community’s parameters. Thankfully, though, Inbal’s early actions enabled them to hold the fort for three long hours – they thwarted any trespassing attempts by the attackers and killed over 25 – before the IDF arrived.
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Inbal Lieberman Prefers to Remain Away From the Limelight
According to reports, Inbal evacuated to Tel Aviv alongside all other residents of Kibbutz Nir Am on the evening of October 7, 2023, so she celebrated her 24th birthday there two days later. Yet, she was still surrounded by loved ones as she reportedly had her parents, uncle, sister, and the latter’s family right by her side at every step of the way. Moreover, she had the well-wishes of the entire nation, especially because her efforts made Nir Am one of only two communities not to suffer any Israeli casualties during the attacks. As a result of the Security Coordinator’s extraordinary actions, she has since been honored with the Rappaport Award for women who generate change, a significant achievement.
However, it’s imperative to note that after the events of October 7, Inbal almost immediately made it clear that she was uncomfortable with the public attention she was receiving. She even refused to give interviews, only briefly asserting that saving Nir Am was not a one-person job but a collective effort by her team of 12, indicating the focus should be on the squad. It comes as no surprise that she currently prefers to lead a quiet life well away from the limelight. Thus, all we know is that the now 27-year-old has long returned to her hometown. According to reports, the Kibbutz has been a war zone since late 2023, yet she made her way back because she wanted to continue doing her best to protect it.
