Hostage Survivor Eitan Mor Shares Photo From His Kidnapping

Eitan Mor, who survived 738 days in Hamas captivity, has shared a photograph taken during his kidnapping on October 7th, describing how he maintained composure during the traumatic event. The image, obtained by the Shin Bet after the terrorist who kidnapped him was eliminated, shows Mor relatively calm alongside his abductor. Mor explained that despite being beaten, having his phone and shirt taken, and being violently transported to Gaza, he "stayed cool like I am" and even "liked the camera" in the photo. He intended the gesture to show his future grandchildren that he was a "cool grandpa."

Mor was abducted from the Nova music festival where he worked as security. His father, Tzvika Mor, reflected on the past year, stating that Hamas's attempt to break them failed. He noted that while they experienced profound pain, they chose to fight back, and now Eitan is smiling while his captors are dead, the Gaza envelope is flourishing, and Gaza is destroyed. He expressed gratitude to the soldiers and families who sustained them.

In the past year, Eitan Mor has been dedicated to contributing to Israel using the knowledge and understanding gained during his captivity. He has been improving his Arabic, maintaining an active schedule, and participating in Israeli public diplomacy efforts abroad, recounting his experiences in fluent Arabic. He has also joined the campaign to secure the release of another hostage, Haimnot Kassaou, and decided to have tattoos removed from his body before Rosh Hashanah.

Reactions online have been supportive, with many praising Mor's resilience. Fellow hostage survivor Matan Engerest offered a touching message, expressing confidence that Mor would be a good grandfather.