Former Hamas Hostage Describes Training to Die Smiling

Moran Stella Yanai, who was held captive by Hamas for 54 days, shared her experiences in a moving interview on the program "B'Tzel Ha'Emunah" with interviewer Elia Aviv. Yanai recounted her experience during the October 7th attack, her complete acceptance of death while in Gaza, and the sense of mission that sustained her.

She described how, even in the direst moments, she would cry out "Shema Yisrael" (Hear, O Israel), a prayer deeply ingrained in her. Yanai explained that this was not a last resort but a constant, palpable connection to the divine. She felt prepared for the events of October 7th, making the prayer feel entirely natural.

Yanai detailed her surrender to fate, which neutralized her fear of the terrorists. She stated that she performed actions she didn't fully comprehend at the time, only realizing their gravity upon her return when she saw how other hostages were punished. She explained that she had committed her life fully, telling herself that whether she lived or died, she would train herself to die with a smile.

She further elaborated on how she trained her consciousness to cope with the worst-case scenarios. Yanai asserted that if faced with a firing squad now, she would smile with gratitude, having learned to appreciate her life and find meaning. She felt at peace with the possibility of her life ending at any moment, knowing she had done all she could.

Since her release, Yanai has become a prominent advocate for the remaining hostages, speaking globally and confronting pro-terror supporters. She emphasized the importance of gratitude, noting that even after returning home, people often fail to appreciate what they once cherished. She stressed the need for constant thankfulness for everything, including the air they breathe and the misfortunes that were averted.