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." Want more news from a Christian Perspective? Choose to support CBN: https://go.cbn.com/ugWBn CBN News. Because Truth Matters™ Download the free CBN News App: http://cbnnews.com/app SUBSCRIBE to the CBN News Channel for more: http://youtube.com/c/CBNnewsonline/?sub_confirmation=1 SUBSCRIBE to the QuickStart Newsletter by visiting quickstart.news SUBSCRIBE to the Quickstart Podcast. New episodes every morning at 7am: cbn.com/cbnnews/quickstart What's coming up next? Have a look at our program guide: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww1.cbn.com%2Fcbnnews%2Fnewschann&redir_token=3Xja-7LE5ZQebEu1fn-B5ib34tN8MTU3OTg4MjMzMkAxNTc5Nzk1OTMy&v=P0mHVeNNfDw&event=video_description CBN features 24-hour TV news from a Christian perspective. The CBN News Channel provides independent news programming to an underserved audience to enlighten, entertain and inspire Christians around the world. Comments below do not necessarily reflect the views of CBN. Share this live feed with your friends and family: https://www.youtube.com/c/CBNnewsonline Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbnnews/ Like us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBNNews Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbnnews/ Contact News Editors: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww1.cbn.com%2Fcontact%2Fcontact-&redir_token=3Xja-7LE5ZQebEu1fn-B5ib34tN8MTU3OTg4MjMzMkAxNTc5Nzk1OTMy&v=P0mHVeNNfDw&event=video_description Questions about other CBN programs: Visit WatchCBNNews.com or call (888) 700-7000. Questions about supporting CBN News? Visit JoinCBNNews.com or call (888) 700-7000 for more information. Questions about Helping the Home Front? Call: 800-700-7000 https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww1.cbn.com%2F700club%2Fhelping-&redir_token=3Xja-7LE5ZQebEu1fn-B5ib34tN8MTU3OTg4MjMzMkAxNTc5Nzk1OTMy&v=P0mHVeNNfDw&event=video_description #breakingnews #politicalnews #christiannews #christian #christianity #church #breakingnews #cbnnews