Aviatar David Reveals Ongoing PTSD Battle After 738 Days in Hamas Captivity

Aviatar David, who was held captive by Hamas for 738 days before his release on October 13 last year, publicly disclosed for the first time that he continues to struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and flashbacks. In a personal post, David described the rehabilitation process as far more complex than he had anticipated, emphasizing that returning home does not mean full recovery. He shared that despite being surrounded by loved ones in a safe environment, his mind and body sometimes revert to the trauma of captivity, making it difficult to fully accept his freedom.

David explained that while he initially believed he could handle everything alone after surviving captivity, he realized that enduring imprisonment and truly reintegrating into life are separate challenges. Outwardly, he appears to have resumed normal life, but internally the struggle persists, with some days marked by forced smiles to mask his pain. He stressed that external appearances do not always reflect internal realities.

Highlighting the financial burden of his ongoing recovery, David revealed that his family has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support his rehabilitation. He expressed a strong desire to heal, regain a sense of security, and rebuild his future, clarifying that his post was not seeking pity but aimed at raising awareness about the demanding and costly journey back to normalcy.