Freed Hostage Criticizes Israeli Government, Recounts Trauma
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Freed hostage Luis Har expressed resentment towards the Israeli government, stating they would still be captive if not for the military operation that rescued him and Fernando Marman. In an interview with El País, Har called for an investigation into the October 7 attacks and criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also recounted his ongoing trauma, including sleep difficulties and a changed worldview regarding peace with Palestinians, while expressing gratitude to the soldiers who rescued him.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Freed hostage Luis Har stated the Israeli government's inaction would have kept him captive.
- Har called for an investigation committee to understand the October 7 events and prevent future occurrences.
- He criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting leadership failures on October 7.
- Har recounted ongoing trauma, including sleep disturbances and a changed perspective on peace.
- He expressed gratitude to the soldiers involved in his and Fernando Marman's rescue operation.
- Har noted a shift in his worldview regarding the possibility of peace with Palestinians.
Luis Har, who was released from Hamas captivity in a military operation, expressed lingering "resentment" towards the Israeli government, stating that "if it depended only on our government, we would still be there." Har, along with Fernando Marman, was rescued in the "Golden Hand" operation in Rafah on February 12, 2014, two and a half years after their initial abduction. Har was taken from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak on October 7 along with his partner Clara Marman and three of her family members: her brother Fernando Marman, sister Gabriela Leimberg, and niece Mia. The three women were released in an earlier deal, while Fernando and Luis were freed later.
Speaking to the Spanish newspaper El País, Har called for an "investigation committee" to understand what happened on October 7 and to prepare for future threats, emphasizing that such events could happen again. He recalled the disbelief that all hostages would be released, attributing their freedom to then-President Trump and contrasting it with the perceived inaction of the Israeli government. Har also suggested that the delay in their rescue meant authorities knew their location earlier, implying a missed opportunity for a quicker liberation.
Har criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referencing a narrative about the Prime Minister sleeping during the events of October 7. While he initially stated he would avoid politics, especially before elections, he felt things could have been handled differently. He also shared his discomfort hearing Arabic spoken by hotel staff in Eilat, a reaction he attributes to his trauma, though it doesn't compel him to leave his home kibbutz, Orim.
Despite his trauma, which includes difficulty sleeping and physical pain, Har expressed gratitude to the soldiers involved in the rescue operations and a renewed appreciation for life. He acknowledged a shift in his worldview, moving away from the belief in living in harmony with Palestinians due to their perceived hatred and lack of a peace partner. Har also commented on the international perception of Israel, noting that his firsthand account often changes people's views, and criticized those who he believes are against the state, suggesting they leave.
Har stated that while he tries to focus on the positive, his perspective on peace has changed, believing it's unattainable without a fundamental shift in Palestinian thinking away from hatred and towards raising children for life rather than martyrdom. He condemned extremists on both the right and left of the Israeli political spectrum.
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