- Olympian shares terrifying shelter experience during missile strikes in Israel
- Australian group trapped in bomb shelter amid growing Middle East conflict
- Comes as conflict between nations escalates
Former Northern Territory Olympian Nova Peris has spoken about a frightening night spent sheltering in Jerusalem as Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles toward Israel.
Peris said she and 11 other Australians were forced to bunker down in a bomb shelter during the early hours of Friday.
Peris won Olympic gold in hockey at the 1996 Atlanta Games, becoming the first Aboriginal Australian to do so.
She later switched to athletics, winning two gold medals at the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Peris also competed in track events at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Now she is part of a group of Australians in Israel for a reception hosted by the Israel-Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Chamber of Commerce, set to take place in Tel Aviv on Sunday.
Posting on X on Saturday, Peris described the experience as ‘deeply confronting’ and said much of the previous 24 hours had been spent in the shelter amid the escalating violence.
The walls of a bomb shelter become a temporary refuge for twelve Australians in Jerusalem
Nova Peris reflected after a harrowing night in a bomb shelter with fellow Australians in Jerusalem
The Israeli skyline flashes as missile defence systems intercept incoming threats from Iranian ballistic attacks
‘We’ve witnessed the unrelenting ballistic missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and across Israel,’ she posted to X.
‘There have now been three waves of missiles fired directly from Iran, targeting civilians, destroying homes, and causing widespread devastation.
‘Like so many here, we’re just doing what Israelis do every day, seeking shelter, staying strong, and praying for peace.
‘We also stand with the two million Arab citizens of Israel who rely on the same protection from the IDF’s defence systems. This isn’t just about one people, it’s about humanity.’
She thanked those who reached out and urged people to keep Israel and its people in their thoughts.
‘We can’t wait to come home,’ Peris said.
‘But for now, we’re safe, in bomb shelters, we’re together, and our hearts are with all those living through this terror.’
The conflict between Israel and Iran has spanned decades. This past week marked one of the most dangerous escalations yet.
Nova Peris was the first Aboriginal woman elected to the Australian federal parliament
Nova Peris won Olympic gold in hockey at the 1996 Atlanta Games before taking to the track in a decorated career
Israeli first responders arrive at a site hit by a missile fired from Iran in central Israel
On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a major operation – codenamed Operation Rising Lion – targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iranian officials confirmed dozens of casualties, including a top commander, and widespread damage to the Natanz nuclear site.
Iran responded by firing over 150 ballistic missiles and more than 100 drones at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv.
While many were intercepted, some caused significant damage and injuries.
The strikes have also worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 100 Palestinians were reported killed in a 24-hour period amid ongoing Israeli operations.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed further retaliation, warning Israel it ‘will not escape safely’ from the consequences.
The United Nations has called for immediate de-escalation, but regional tensions remain high.
The United States has moved military assets closer to the region, preparing for the possibility of a broader conflict.
