Hostage Avinatan Or Recounts Captivity, Hamas Threats, and Lessons Learned
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Former hostage Avinatan Or described his two years in Hamas captivity, detailing threats from terrorists that they would repeatedly attack Israel as long as it exists. Or shared his insights in his book "Through the Earth" and an interview, emphasizing his captors' unwavering animosity. He highlighted his own resilience and resourcefulness during captivity and escape attempts, and stressed the importance of recognizing Hamas's core motivation as the existence of Jews in Israel, urging national unity.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hamas terrorist Abu Hassan threatened hostage Avinatan Or, promising repeated attacks on Israel as long as Jews live there.
- Avinatan Or, held for two years, recognized his captors' unwavering intent to harm Jews, regardless of political circumstances.
- Or detailed his resilience, escape attempts, and resourcefulness during captivity in his book "Through the Earth."
- He stressed the need for Israelis to understand the existential threat posed by Hamas, urging national unity.
- Or's experience highlights the complex emotions surrounding hostage negotiations and the desire for release versus broader security concerns.
Avinatan Or, who was held captive by Hamas for two years, has shared his experiences and the chilling threats he received from his captors. As his release neared, a Hamas terrorist identified as Abu Hassan advised Or to say goodbye to his family and friends, but warned him to leave Israel. "We will return. Again and again. As long as Israel exists, we will not stop," the terrorist promised.
Or's reflections, shared in his book "Through the Earth" and in a recent interview with Ilana Dayan, reveal a profound understanding of his situation. He recognized himself as a pawn in the hands of terrorists, stating that he wouldn't want to be returned home if Hamas still controlled Gaza. While appreciative of efforts to secure hostage deals, Or shared his parents' view that the "all of them now" slogan was unrealistic, understanding that if he wasn't the target, another Jew would be.
Despite the trauma, Or maintained his intellectual freedom and refused to succumb to Stockholm Syndrome. He described a daring escape attempt through a tunnel that was ultimately discovered. Or takes responsibility for his captivity, detailing the torture and starvation he endured. He also highlighted his resourcefulness, using his knowledge of Torah, mathematics, engineering, and construction skills to attempt his escape.
Or's experience underscores a critical lesson for Israelis: a clear understanding of the enemy's unwavering intent. He noted that Hamas's motivation isn't tied to political outcomes like the establishment of a Palestinian state or specific Israeli leadership, but rather to the mere existence of Jews in Israel. He believes this fundamental threat is often overlooked amidst internal political divisions, urging Israelis to recognize this existential danger and awaken to the reality of their adversaries' goals.
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