Gaza Captive Recounts Hamas Attack, 505 Days Underground
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A survivor details his abduction from a music festival and 505 days of captivity in Gaza.
- He describes the Hamas attack, the shelter siege, and his survival amidst fallen friends.
- Faith and hope for rescue sustained him during his prolonged underground imprisonment.
- Upon release, he reunited with his partner, with whom he plans to marry.
- He is undergoing therapy for PTSD and has published a book about his ordeal.
A survivor of the October 7th Hamas attack, identified only as אלי-ה, described his harrowing experience at a music festival, his capture, and 505 days of captivity in Gaza. The ordeal began when the music stopped and rockets filled the sky during the Simchat Torah holiday. He and his partner, זיו, sought refuge in a nearby shelter, which was soon surrounded by over thirty Hamas terrorists armed with RPGs and grenades. During the attack, ענר שפירא, who fell during the assault, heroically threw back grenades, protecting others in the shelter. אלי-ה survived the initial onslaught by covering himself and זיו with the bodies of fallen friends. When terrorists breached the shelter, he closed his eyes, expecting death, but was instead abducted to Gaza.
During his 505 days underground, אלי-ה endured starvation, a gunshot wound to his leg, harsh confinement, and psychological torment. He found solace in his connection with God, engaging in daily "negotiations" for basic needs and spiritual strength, repeating the mantra, "I will be okay, you are with me." Hope was also fueled by the knowledge that the Israeli people were fighting for his release and by the power of IDF operations.
Upon his release, אלי-ה had a surprising and emotional reunion with זיו. Both had been told the other was dead, making their meeting a "resurrection." They are now rebuilding their relationship and undergoing intensive therapy, with plans to marry. Despite his happiness, אלי-ה struggles with severe post-traumatic stress and persistent memories.
To process his experience and honor his friends, אלי-ה published a book titled "Mufawadat" within months of his release. His message emphasizes appreciating life's basic elements over material wealth, stating, "I wake up in the morning and can go to the bathroom alone, choose what to eat and drink, I have everything in life." He continues to express gratitude daily for both what he has and what he lacks.
The article also briefly mentions another former captive, בר קופרשטיין, who spent 738 days in captivity.
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