Abdelrahman
Title: Hostage Survivors Share Struggles and the Need for Answers Post-Gaza Release
RAMAT GAN, Israel (AP) – After enduring 484 days in captivity in Gaza, Keith Siegel returned home filled with questions. He sought to know if his 97-year-old mother was still alive, which neighbors had fallen victim during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, and why his rescue took such an extended period.
With limited access to news, Siegel, who holds dual American-Israeli citizenship, only learned months after his abduction that his son had survived the initial attack that triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While he was aware that family members were campaigning for the release of hostages, he remained largely in the dark about life beyond the walls of his captivity.
His daughter, Elan Siegel, recalled, “He was desperate to discover anything and everything just to alleviate his anxiety and understand what had transpired.”
Freed hostages, as part of a precarious ceasefire in Gaza, are now faced with a deluge of information regarding their loved ones and the devastation of their communities, while grappling with their place in a drastically altered world. Families struggle with the sensitive task of filling these individuals in on missed events without intensifying their trauma.
Experts emphasize the need for careful communication in these situations. Einat Yehene, who leads rehabilitation efforts at the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, stated, “The information can be overwhelming and triggering, so it’s crucial to approach this matter with sensitivity, careful pacing, and monitoring.”
Harrowing Returns
For many who have been freed, adjusting to their new reality has been painful. Eli Sharabi, age 52, was denied access to media throughout his 16-month ordeal. According to his brother, Sharon, he was coerced into making a statement at a staged event organized by Hamas before being released. A visibly gaunt Sharabi expressed his eagerness to reunite with his wife and two teenage daughters.
Upon his return to Israel, he learned the heart-wrenching truth: all three family members had been killed in the October 7 attack. Sharon shared with Israeli Army Radio, “Not only did he survive the emotional toll of captivity, but he also bore the unbearable grief of losing his family on the very first day of his freedom.”
Or Levy, 34, faced a similar heartbreak, discovering that his wife, Einav, was among the casualties of the October 7 invasion. He had clung to hope for 491 days, yearning for the moment he would return to her. In a poignant moment, his young son noted, “It took you a long time to come back,” referring to milestones of growth that occurred during his father’s absence.
Navigating Uncertainty After Release
Keith Siegel expressed immediate concern for his mother, Gladys, upon returning home. His wife’s tearful response revealed the tragic news of her passing. During his captivity, Siegel managed to glean some information about his family’s status, even hearing his daughter speak on radio about his son surviving Hamas’s assault. Other freed hostages have noted receiving similar messages through various media outlets.
Yarden Bibas, who was liberated recently, was told by his captors that his wife and two young sons had perished. Yet, contradictory reports suggested they had been seen in Tel Aviv, leaving him in a state of confusion and despair regarding their whereabouts and safety.
The Weight of the Past Year
Freed hostages are not just reacquainting themselves with personal losses; they are trying to come to terms with a year’s worth of global events. They learn of political shifts and conflicts, such as Donald Trump’s return to the White House and escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
Keith Siegel’s family is cautiously sharing information about the world as they would with a child. As Elan explained, “You provide answers only to the questions he seeks, avoiding overwhelming him.” Yet, the inquiries continue.
Siegel was eager to know about his hometown of Kfar Aza. He asked if anyone had been caring for his plants and who had perished in the attack. His daughter noted that while they sought to gauge his readiness to hear the details, he insisted he wanted the truth.
“I read him the names of the 64 people who died,” she recounted, noting that his reaction was subdued, almost as if he had forgotten how to process emotions during his captivity.
Siegel has become a symbol in protests and awareness campaigns regarding hostages, and his image has been featured prominently throughout Israel. In the lead-up to his release, numerous Israelis shared videos on social media showcasing his favorite pancake recipe.
His wife, Aviva, who was among the first to be freed during the conflict, created a book full of messages from notable figures she had contacted in support of his release, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Joe Biden.
Having learned that world leaders were aware of his situation while he was held hostage left Siegel pondering, “If they knew, how could I have been there for so long?”
This story reflects the anguish of those who have recently emerged from the depths of captivity, emphasizing the complex journey towards healing, understanding, and reconnection.
