Families cope with the aftermath of captivity as their daughters fight to recover and adapt back to life.
**In Their Own Words: Parents Share the Horrific Ordeal of Freed Hostages from Hamas**
**In Their Own Words: Parents Share the Horrific Ordeal of Freed Hostages from Hamas**
Parents of recently freed Israeli hostages detail the abuse and trauma their daughters endured, highlighting the emotional scars left behind.
Orly Gilboa's daughter, Daniella, was among the four young Israeli women released from Hamas captivity, and her mother recounted the harrowing experiences that included starvation, intimidation, and forced labor. Speaking to the BBC, families of the hostages detailed the grim conditions in which their daughters were held for 15 months, often within a network of underground tunnels and other locations where physical abuse was witnessed.
The hostages, primarily taken during Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023, were subjected to psychological manipulation, such as being made to record propaganda videos that included faking their deaths. While the girls reported varying treatment—some experiencing good conditions while others faced severe neglect—compelling accounts have emerged of their resilience. They supported one another through storytelling, drawing, and journaling, allowing them to maintain hope despite their dire situations.
Ms. Gilboa noted that her daughter and the other hostages had minimal access to food, and deteriorated in health over the months, losing significant weight. "If I had been released two months ago, I would have probably looked like them," Daniella stated, referring to the emaciated state of released male hostages. Reports from other parents echoed similar concerns about their children's drastic weight loss, with some having lost nearly a fifth of their body weight.
As the conflict continues, families of the hostages remain vigilant about their daughters' well-being, sharing their stories while navigating an uncomfortable fear of potential repercussions for remaining hostages. Mr. and Mrs. Berger and the Levy family expressed their desire for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the initial abduction of the women, as their daughters continue to grapple with memories of the traumatic events, which some parents claimed were even more distressing than the captivity itself.
Daniella's mother vividly recalled a moment when captors made her daughter appear dead on camera, a stunt that left her family devastated. "I kept telling myself that it can't be," she relayed. The families are now focusing on the gradual healing of their daughters, who have returned home, struggling to adapt to normalcy after such profound trauma.
As they reconnect with their families, each young woman has found solace in small acts of freedom. Daniella, for example, drew a butterfly, symbolizing her yearning for freedom, a tattoo she subsequently got inked on her arm. The parents have seen their daughters emerge more vocal and expressive, reclaiming their voices after the restrictive silence of captivity. They continue to hope for peace in the region, advocating for the ongoing ceasefire in solidarity with those still held as hostages.
While the emotional scars may take time to heal, the reunions have been poignant for families. Mr. Levy emphasized the power of his reunion with Naama, saying, "Daddy's here. That's all." As they process this turbulent chapter of their lives, parents remain resolute in their support and love for the young women rebuilding their futures.
The hostages, primarily taken during Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023, were subjected to psychological manipulation, such as being made to record propaganda videos that included faking their deaths. While the girls reported varying treatment—some experiencing good conditions while others faced severe neglect—compelling accounts have emerged of their resilience. They supported one another through storytelling, drawing, and journaling, allowing them to maintain hope despite their dire situations.
Ms. Gilboa noted that her daughter and the other hostages had minimal access to food, and deteriorated in health over the months, losing significant weight. "If I had been released two months ago, I would have probably looked like them," Daniella stated, referring to the emaciated state of released male hostages. Reports from other parents echoed similar concerns about their children's drastic weight loss, with some having lost nearly a fifth of their body weight.
As the conflict continues, families of the hostages remain vigilant about their daughters' well-being, sharing their stories while navigating an uncomfortable fear of potential repercussions for remaining hostages. Mr. and Mrs. Berger and the Levy family expressed their desire for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the initial abduction of the women, as their daughters continue to grapple with memories of the traumatic events, which some parents claimed were even more distressing than the captivity itself.
Daniella's mother vividly recalled a moment when captors made her daughter appear dead on camera, a stunt that left her family devastated. "I kept telling myself that it can't be," she relayed. The families are now focusing on the gradual healing of their daughters, who have returned home, struggling to adapt to normalcy after such profound trauma.
As they reconnect with their families, each young woman has found solace in small acts of freedom. Daniella, for example, drew a butterfly, symbolizing her yearning for freedom, a tattoo she subsequently got inked on her arm. The parents have seen their daughters emerge more vocal and expressive, reclaiming their voices after the restrictive silence of captivity. They continue to hope for peace in the region, advocating for the ongoing ceasefire in solidarity with those still held as hostages.
While the emotional scars may take time to heal, the reunions have been poignant for families. Mr. Levy emphasized the power of his reunion with Naama, saying, "Daddy's here. That's all." As they process this turbulent chapter of their lives, parents remain resolute in their support and love for the young women rebuilding their futures.
