Hostage Survivor Rom Basslavsky Details PTSD, Criticizes Leadership

Rom Basslavsky, a survivor of Hamas captivity, spoke at a 'Forgiveness' event in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square on Thursday evening, detailing his ongoing struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder since his release. Speaking on Kan 11's "Thursday with Yoav Krakovsky," Basslavsky expressed criticism towards Israel's leadership and security establishment.

The event, organized by fellow hostage survivor Bar Cooperstein, was framed as an expression of gratitude from the survivors to the Israeli public for their support since October 7th. Basslavsky stated, "We have arrived at a situation where we, the hostage survivors, are holding an evening for you. This is an evening of appreciation where we say thank you very much to the people of Israel for being there for us from October 7th until today."

He called for forgiveness for hostages who did not return and for IDF soldiers who suffered combat trauma. Basslavsky described his daily battle with PTSD, noting his refusal to take psychiatric medication, which he believes intensifies his suffering. "We live with what we went through in Gaza. It never leaves you," he said, adding that holidays and Saturdays often trigger feelings of loneliness that remind him of his captivity.

Basslavsky demanded an apology from government and military officials, including the heads of the Mossad and Shin Bet, for their perceived failure on October 7th. "I deserve an apology from many, many elements in the government and many, many elements in the army. We deserve an apology from the head of the Mossad, from the head of the Shin Bet, who did not function on October 7th," he stated, recounting his experience of facing Hamas terrorists and casualties instead of security forces.

Regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Basslavsky acknowledged his return but expressed deep resentment over his abduction during Netanyahu's premiership. "The Prime Minister is the main responsible party for October 7th. There are many gaps between us and relations of hate and love. Hate because I was kidnapped when you are the Prime Minister, and love because you brought me back," he said, hoping for an apology one day. Basslavsky pledged to dedicate his life to commemorating the October 7th massacre through lectures and public speaking, stating, "Until my last day, I will continue to talk about October 7th and I will commemorate October 7th, because people move on, but I do not move on. I will always be here."