Freed Hostages Share Stories of Resilience and New Beginnings
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Freed hostages from the October 7th Hamas attack are sharing their experiences of resilience and gratitude for life one year after their abduction. Survivors like Emily Damari and Eli Sharabi express profound appreciation for freedom and everyday moments, despite enduring trauma and loss. Many are actively rebuilding their lives, pursuing new careers, and establishing support centers for other trauma survivors. The accounts highlight the ongoing struggle with post-captivity life, particularly for children, and the determination to move forward while honoring those lost.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Freed hostages are sharing their experiences of trauma, resilience, and renewed appreciation for life after the October 7th Hamas attack.
- Emily Damari stated that captivity changed her perspective, making her grateful for everyday freedoms she will "never take for granted."
- Eli Sharabi, who lost family members, co-founded a trauma support center in Ashkelon in memory of his loved ones.
- Hagar Brodatch noted the complexity of post-captivity life, especially for children, and is pursuing pastry courses for a new future.
- Emily Hand finds solace in surfing, while Doron Steinbacher draws strength from friends and family.
- Aviva Siegel, whose husband Keith was also held, joined the hostage liberation efforts and feels fortunate to be alive.
Freed hostages from the October 7th Hamas attack are sharing their experiences and newfound perspectives on life, marking the anniversary of the deadliest day in Israel's history. Despite the trauma and difficult memories, many express optimism and a profound appreciation for freedom.
Emily Damari, 30, who was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, stated that her captivity fundamentally changed her view of life. "One day in captivity feels like a whole week. At any moment you want to give up, but I didn't give up," she said. Damari, who recently married food influencer Daniel Amit and launched a fashion brand, now expresses gratitude for everyday things like opening the refrigerator or drinking cold water. "Being free, at home, surrounded by my family and my people, that is something I will never take for granted," she added.
Emily Hand, 11, abducted from Kibbutz Be'eri, is trying to move on with her life. "You can't just say 'it happened and it's over and that's it.' It happened, but I'm trying to detach from it," she explained. Hand finds solace in surfing, where her focus is solely on the waves.
Eli Sharabi, 54, was taken from Kibbutz Be'eri, where his wife Lian and daughters Noa, 16, and Yahil, 13, were murdered. His brother Yossi was also abducted and killed. Released in February 2025 after 491 days, Sharabi described enduring starvation, torture, and confinement in tunnels. "I learned in captivity how precious every moment is and how precious every choice is, and I carry that understanding with me now," he stated. He co-founded the Sharabi-Shalom Center in Ashkelon, which provides trauma support for families, in memory of his lost family members. "I choose life. I choose to continue living fully, while carrying Lian, Noa, Yahil, and Yossi with me in everything I do."
Doron Steinbacher, 33, held captive for 471 days, finds strength in her friends, family, and even her dog. She emphasizes that every day is a reminder that nothing is guaranteed and that life is a gift to be fully embraced.
Hagar Brodatch, 43, abducted from Kfar Aza with her three children and a neighbor's child, noted that life after captivity can be more complex than it appears. "The daily struggle is immense, especially for the children. I believe it will be many years before captivity becomes just a shadow beside us, and not something that defines who we are," she said. Brodatch has begun pastry courses, viewing it as a path to create something new and potentially a future profession, a departure from her previous management career.
Agam Berger, 22, a former lookout at Kibbutz Nachal Oz, was held for 482 days. She draws strength from her family, Israel, and engaging in meaningful activities that offer hope to others.
Aviva Siegel, 65, abducted from Kfar Aza, was released in November 2023, while her husband Keith, 67, remained captive until February 2025. Aviva joined the efforts to free the hostages while Keith was still held. She finds strength in reuniting with her family and the kindness of strangers, feeling fortunate to be alive and not alone.
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