A shocking incident unfolding on the bustling sidewalks of Tel Aviv has left the nation reeling. Rom Braslavski, a survivor of Hamas captivity who returned to Israel only three months ago, was allegedly assaulted Saturday night outside a popular venue. The altercation reportedly involved David Ziton, the partner of acclaimed Israeli singer Nasrin Kadri, turning a night of celebration into a stark reminder of the social friction facing returned hostages.
Police arrived at the scene on Rothschild Boulevard shortly after midnight following reports of a violent dispute. Witnesses describe a heated exchange that escalated quickly near the velvet ropes, leaving the former hostage shaken and sparking a new conversation about the fragile state of those who spent years in the terror tunnels of Gaza.
A Night Out Turns Violent
The incident occurred at a high-end bar in the heart of Tel Aviv’s nightlife district. Braslavski, who became a symbol of resilience during his two years in captivity, arrived at the venue expecting to attend a party. According to statements given to police, Braslavski believed he had been personally invited by Kadri herself.
However, the situation deteriorated the moment he approached the entrance.
Reports indicate that Kadri was not present at the door when Braslavski arrived. Instead, he was met by David Ziton. Eyewitnesses claim Ziton aggressively blocked Braslavski’s path. The exchange reportedly grew loud, drawing the attention of passersby and club-goers lining up for entry.
“It happened very fast,” one witness told reporters on the scene. “There was shouting. I heard someone yell, ‘Nobody invited you,’ and then there was shoving. It was heartbreaking to see because everyone recognized Rom immediately.”
The confrontation allegedly turned physical, resulting in what police are classifying as an assault. While medical teams checked Braslavski at the scene, the extent of his physical injuries has not been publicly disclosed. The emotional wound, however, appears much deeper.
Key Details of the Incident:
- Location: High-end bar on Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv.
- Time: Late Saturday evening, January 17.
- Involved Parties: Ex-hostage Rom Braslavski and David Ziton (partner of Nasrin Kadri).
- Trigger: Disputed entry to a private event.
- Status: Police complaint filed; questioning scheduled.
Police Launch Investigation
The Tel Aviv District Police have confirmed that a formal complaint was filed immediately following the event. Authorities are treating the matter with high sensitivity given the profile of the victim and the public nature of the alleged aggressor.
Officers collected security camera footage from the club and nearby businesses on Rothschild Boulevard. This footage is expected to corroborate witness accounts regarding who initiated the physical contact.
Investigators are set to question Ziton later on Sunday. Legal experts suggest that if the assault is proven, the charges could be aggravated by the circumstances, though no arrests were made at the scene.
Nasrin Kadri, a powerhouse in the Israeli music industry known for her bridging of cultures, has not yet issued a personal video statement. However, sources close to the singer suggest she is “devastated” by the turn of events. It remains unclear if she was aware of the confrontation as it happened or if she was inside the venue at the time.
The Long Road from Gaza
To understand the gravity of this scuffle, one must look at who Rom Braslavski is. He is not just a young man denied entry to a club. He is a survivor of the Nova music festival massacre.
Braslavski was working as a dispatcher and storage manager at the festival on October 7. When the rocket fire began, he did not run. He stayed behind to help dismantle equipment and guide partygoers to safety. His bravery led to his capture.
For two years, his face was plastered on billboards, bus stops, and social media feeds across the country. His family fought tirelessly for his release, which finally came in October 2025.
Since his return, Braslavski has been trying to reclaim his stolen youth. He has been seen at various public events, often advocating for the families of those who did not survive. This attempt to enjoy a Saturday night out was supposed to be a step toward normalcy.
“He just wanted to dance. He spent 700 days in the dark. He has the right to stand in the light without being pushed around.”
— Close family friend of Braslavski
Trauma Hidden in Plain Sight
The physical altercation is only half the story. The incident highlights the invisible struggle of returned captives. Tammy Braslavski, Rom’s mother, released a brief but piercing statement following the news of the assault.
She declined to discuss the legal specifics of the fight. Instead, she focused on the mental state of her son and his peers.
“Whatever you see on the outside is a mask,” Tammy noted in her statement. She warned the public that while former hostages might look healthy and may try to integrate into nightlife or work, they are operating in a “difficult post-traumatic state.”
Mental health professionals explain that survivors of long-term captivity often suffer from hyperarousal. Loud noises, aggressive body language, or feelings of rejection can trigger severe panic or defensive reactions that others might not understand.
A rejection at a nightclub door is unpleasant for anyone. For a hostage who lost his autonomy for two years, being told “you don’t belong” or having his movement blocked can be psychologically shattering.
Challenges Facing Returned Hostages
| Challenge Area | Description | Impact on Daily Life |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory Overload | Difficulty processing loud music, crowds, and lights. | Avoidance of public spaces or sudden panic attacks. |
| Social Cues | Misinterpreting aggression or feeling threatened easily. | conflicts with strangers or authority figures. |
| Identity Crisis | shifting from “The Hostage” to a regular citizen. | struggle to find purpose or employment. |
| Sleep Disorders | Insomnia and nightmares related to captivity. | Chronic fatigue and irritability. |
Public Outcry and Social Media Storm
The news spread like wildfire across social platforms. By Sunday morning, the incident was the top trend on Israeli networks.
Many users expressed fury at Ziton, arguing that a higher standard of patience and respect is owed to those who returned from Gaza. The hashtag #ProtectOurSurvivors began trending, with users calling for a boycott of the venue or demands for a public apology from the celebrity couple.
Others pointed out that this incident reflects a broader societal failure. As the war fades from the daily headlines, the patience of the general public may be wearing thin, leading to friction when trauma survivors try to navigate a fast-paced, often aggressive society.
The culture of exclusivity in Tel Aviv nightlife, often criticized for being superficial, is now under a microscope. The idea that a hero of Nova could be humiliated at a velvet rope strikes a raw nerve in the national psyche.
Authorities are expected to release more details on the investigation in the coming days. For now, Rom Braslavski is once again recovering—this time not from Hamas terrorists, but from a confrontation with his own people.
