Hostage Survivor Recounts Kidnapping Trauma, Chooses Love Over Hate

Yosef Haim Ohana, who was held captive in Gaza for 738 days, released a video on the anniversary of October 7th documenting the initial moments of his abduction by Hamas terrorists. Alongside the footage, Ohana shared a personal message on Instagram reflecting on his kidnapping, his nearly two years in captivity, and his life since his release. He described looking at the footage of his younger self, a frightened child, questioning his future. Ohana contrasted his pre-abduction innocence and belief in universal goodness with the person he has become.

In his post, Ohana addressed his past self, offering words of encouragement he wished he had heard during the abduction. He wrote that while others may have controlled him then, he would eventually regain control of his life. Ohana noted that his release from captivity did not immediately bring inner freedom, stating that for a year he was free from his captors but not from himself. He is now seeking to reclaim agency over his life.

Ohana emphasized that he does not wish to ignore or pretend his experiences did not happen, acknowledging they are part of his journey. He explained that encountering hatred and evil led him to choose a different path, opting for love and goodness after witnessing their opposites. He stated he is now in his "strongest place," free from fear, hatred, and anger, with a "clean heart" he can reshape.

He concluded by using the kidnapping metaphor again to describe his current choice to take responsibility for his future, framing it as a choice made by the person who loves him most. Ohana affirmed his identity and his commitment to choosing himself by choosing to give to others, ending with a declaration of self-love.