Montana Tucker amplifies voices of young, Israeli survivors of Palestinians' massacre
April 24, 2025 — In a poignant gathering at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Children of October 7,' singer and social media influencer Montana Tucker, alongside director Assaf Beker and producer Eytan Schwartz, unveiled a documentary that delves into the harrowing experiences of Israeli children who survived the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. The film, which debuted on Paramount+ and VOD yesterday (and will cable-premiere on MTV this evening at 9pm / 8pm CT) offers an intimate portrayal of resilience amid tragedy.
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| Yael Idan was 11-yrs old when Palestinians shot her sister, Maayan, before her eyes. The terrorists murdered her hostage-taken father Tzachi months later. The documentary's producer Eytan Schwartz and director Assaf Beker addressed the audience post-screening alongside Montana Tucker. |
A Mission Rooted in Personal History
Montana Tucker, known for her vibrant presence on platforms like TikTok, where she boasts over 14 million followers, has long been an advocate for social issues, including Holocaust remembrance. Her grandparents were Holocaust survivors, a legacy that deeply influences her activism. The October 7 attacks, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of approximately 250 individuals, struck a personal chord.
"Growing up, I would hear denials of the Holocaust and think, 'How could this be?"- shared Tucker during the panel discussion. "Now, we're hearing denials of October 7, even though Hamas live-streamed the attack themselves. It's unimaginable."
Centering the Voices of the Young
The 35-minute documentary focuses on the testimonies of eight Israeli children, aged 10 to 16, who endured the horrors of the attacks. Among them is 12-year-old Eitan Yahalomi, who was abducted to Gaza and held captive for 52 days before his release. Another, Rotem Matthias, survived by hiding under his deceased mother's body. These narratives, captured with the consent of guardians and under the supervision of psychologists, aim to preserve the raw emotions and experiences of the young survivors.
The 35-minute documentary focuses on the testimonies of eight Israeli children, aged 10 to 16, who endured the horrors of the attacks. Among them is 12-year-old Eitan Yahalomi, who was abducted to Gaza and held captive for 52 days before his release. Another, Rotem Matthias, survived by hiding under his deceased mother's body. These narratives, captured with the consent of guardians and under the supervision of psychologists, aim to preserve the raw emotions and experiences of the young survivors.
"It was clear that we needed to document their testimonies for the historical record," producer Eytan Schwartz emphasized. "All my life, we grew up with the stories of Holocaust survivors on Holocaust Remembrance Day. Now, we needed to capture the moment of the children when they're still children."
A Premiere Marked by Reflection and Resolve
The Los Angeles screening was not just a film premiere but a call to action. Director, Assaf Beker highlighted the dual themes of trauma and hope, pondering the long-term effects on the children's futures. "I ask myself, I don't have the answer, but how these kids will grow up to be," he reflected.
The Los Angeles screening was not just a film premiere but a call to action. Director, Assaf Beker highlighted the dual themes of trauma and hope, pondering the long-term effects on the children's futures. "I ask myself, I don't have the answer, but how these kids will grow up to be," he reflected.
Tucker, who took no compensation for her involvement, expressed her commitment to the cause. "I've dedicated my life to this because I feel it's the only option," she stated. "People shouldn't thank me for this; it's really what we should be doing."
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| Actress, Patricia Heaton ("Everybody Loves Raymond") a practicing Catholic, has assumed an outspoken role in publicly defending Israel and Jewish people against Islamo-Marxism. |
Amplifying Awareness Amidst Misinformation
In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, Tucker emphasized the importance of sharing authentic narratives. "Apps like TikTok are spreading misinformation," she noted. "I just want people to see this film and maybe to open their minds a bit in a way that they've never seen before."
In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, Tucker emphasized the importance of sharing authentic narratives. "Apps like TikTok are spreading misinformation," she noted. "I just want people to see this film and maybe to open their minds a bit in a way that they've never seen before."
She urged attendees to share the documentary, particularly with younger generations susceptible to online falsehoods. "Every single person that sees this can make a difference," Tucker asserted.
A Broader Impact and Future Endeavors
The documentary's reach extends beyond its initial screenings. Plans are underway to screen the film on major American television networks, aiming to educate a wider audience about the events of October 7. Tucker's advocacy, despite personal and professional costs, underscores her unwavering dedication.
"The hate just filled me even more," she confessed. "I know I am 100% on the right side of history, 100% on the right side of humanity."
Conclusion
Children of October 7 serves as a testament to the resilience of young survivors and the power of storytelling in the face of adversity. Through Tucker's lens, the documentary not only memorializes a tragic event but also fosters understanding and empathy, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and advocate for justice.
