Israeli Hostages Reunite to Share Harrowing Gaza Captivity Experience After Nearly Three Years

Nearly 1,001 days have passed since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, during which three Israeli women, Aviva Sigal, Agam Berger, and Amit Susna, were kidnapped from the Gaza village and the Nahal Oz outpost. Held together in the same apartment in Gaza, they have now reunited publicly for the first time to recount their traumatic ordeal. Aviva and her husband Keith were captured in the Gaza village, while Agam and another hostage, Liri Albag, were initially held elsewhere before being moved to the same apartment. Amit was held alone for three weeks before joining them.

The women describe the constant fear and near-death experiences they endured, including brutal treatment of Amit, who was mistaken for an IDF officer. They supported each other emotionally, sharing moments of comfort such as playing cards and braiding hair to alleviate boredom and stress. Aviva documented her captivity experiences in a book titled "The Main Thing Is to Wake Up to a New Morning," revealing painful and humiliating moments they faced.

Despite their release, Aviva after 51 days, Amit four days later, and Agam after a failed prisoner exchange, the trauma lingers. They express frustration over political figures attempting to rewrite history and the lack of public apologies for their suffering. Aviva emphasizes the importance of acknowledging their pain and the families who lost loved ones. The women also reflect on the difficulty of returning to normal life and the lasting impact of captivity on their identities and trust.

Their reunion was emotional, marked by heartfelt embraces and shared memories. Aviva gifted Agam and Amit copies of her book with personal dedications, underscoring the deep bonds formed in captivity. The women continue to grapple with the aftermath but remain grateful to be alive, mindful of those who did not survive. Their story sheds light on the human cost of the conflict and the ongoing challenges faced by former hostages and their families.