Hostage Survivor Mia Shem Reflects on Trauma Three Years After October 7
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Three years after being abducted and held for 55 days, hostage survivor Mia Shem shared her ongoing struggles and gratitude. Shem, who returned in November 2023, thanked Israeli soldiers and security forces for her freedom. She also expressed deep pain for those still captive or killed, acknowledging the lasting trauma of her experience.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Mia Shem, abducted at 21, reflects three years after October 7 on her ongoing trauma.
- Shem was held captive for 55 days and returned to Israel in November 2023.
- She expressed gratitude to IDF soldiers and security forces for enabling her return.
- She also shared deep pain for those who did not survive or return from captivity.
- Shem continues public advocacy for the remaining hostages.
- Her experience highlights the lasting journey of life after captivity.
Three years after the October 7th attacks, Mia Shem, who was abducted from the Nova music festival at age 21 and held captive for 55 days, shared her ongoing struggles and reflections. Shem returned to Israel in late November 2023 as part of the first hostage deal. Since her release, she has become a prominent voice among survivors, frequently speaking about the difficulty of readjusting to life after captivity.
In a personal post marking the three-year anniversary, Shem expressed gratitude to those who enabled her return, including IDF soldiers and security forces, acknowledging their sacrifices. "I don't forget for a moment who I owe the right to be here to," she wrote, thanking those who fought and risked their lives. She also conveyed profound pain for those who did not survive or return, particularly those who went to rescue others and never came back themselves.
Shem dedicated her words to families who lost loved ones, referencing the "empty chair" and "unanswered longing." Her post concluded with a poignant statement about the enduring impact of her captivity: "I returned, but I carry with me every day also those who did not."
Shem, who was injured during her abduction, has been open about her rehabilitation process and her public advocacy for the remaining hostages. Her reflections highlight that while returning home was a singular event, the aftermath of captivity is a continuous journey.
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