Fifteen Israeli hostages released from over 15 months of captivity faced significant challenges as they began the long process of recovery. Their release was part of the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which has sparked both hope and uncertainty. Many of these individuals, once held by Hamas militants, are now confronting not just the elation of being free but the reality of their physical and mental states, which remain compromised after their ordeal.
When Ilana Gritzewsky returned to Israel after being held captive for 55 days, she described having so much adrenaline coursing through her body she was unable to sleep for two days. "You don’t understand it’s really over," Gritzewsky reflected. "You don’t know who you are or even what your name is." Her testimony highlights the disorientation many hostages feel upon release.
Gritzewsky was one of the many civilians kidnapped during the attack on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants invaded Israel, leading to the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals. The incident sparked the current conflict and resulted in the abduction of around 250 people, who have endured the traumatic conditions of captivity.
The recent release of hostages marks only the beginning of their difficult road to recovery.
According to doctors treating these individuals, many are suffering from "mild starvation" and vitamin deficiencies due to poor conditions during their captivity. Dr. Ami Banov, who has been involved with their treatment, noted how the lack of sunlight and proper nutrition could lead to serious health issues. Some returned hostages have even reported long-term injuries, including hearing loss and chronic pain. "Many of them suffer injuries from the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, and the medical care they received was nonexistent or of poor quality," said Banov.
Gritzewsky, originally from Mexico, also spoke of her emotional state post-release. She still deals with physical health issues stemming from her time as a hostage, acknowledging moments when she has neglected her own recovery. Even simple pleasures, like eating her first good meal after captivity, come with complications due to her long-standing nutritional deficiencies. "You’re used to hostage conditions, so whenever you get food you put some to the side," she explained.
The emotional toll is as significant as the physical rehabilitation. Each of the released hostages undergoes thorough assessments, and they have the dedicated support of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. For those like Gritzewsky, leading their recovery is imperative as they are gradually reintroduced to independence. Ofrit Shapira, head of the psychoanalytical team treating freed hostages, stated, "They took everything away from them, especially privacy and autonomy, and it’s a challenge to help them regain it."
Another former hostage, Adina Moshe, emphasized the psychological impact of captivity, noting how some returnees may know little about the extent of destruction to their homes or the fates of their loved ones. "They will remain suspicious of people and have to contend with aggressive media," she cautioned, addressing the challenges of reintegrate back to society.
Emotions ran high during the release of the hostages; for Avichai Brodutch, whose family was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, the reunion was intensely emotional. His description of waiting for his family at the hospital and the adrenaline rush of seeing them again, "reborn" after their ordeal, captures the deep relief and joy mixed with the fear of the uncertainty surrounding their recovery.
Brodutch's family returned physically unwell, thin, and infested with lice. The emotional burdens they carry remain heavy, and Brodutch expressed concern over how his family will navigate the trauma they endured. "Each day, I hear new stories about what happened during our absence, and it feels like we relive the Oct. 7 experience over and over again. It’s going to take a long time to repair the wounds of the soul," he lamented.
The complex mental health issues faced by the hostages add another layer to their recovery. According to medical professionals, those held with others seem to fare somewhat quicker psychologically than those kept isolated. The support teams accompanying the released individuals not only focus on physical health but also on the broader aspects of mental well-being.
While fifteen hostages have been released so far, many more remain unaccounted for. Currently, about 80 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas, with fears mounting around the physical safety of those remaining. The sustained ceasefire agreement is expected to allow for more hostages to be released weekly, but uncertainty looms as each moment carries the potential for escalation.
For the families of those still held captive, the emotional weight grows heavier with each passing day. The reuniting of loved ones is bittersweet; Gritzewsky's boyfriend, Matan Zangauker, is among those still waiting with no clear timeframe for release. Amid these complex emotions, the ultimate question remains: How can these individuals reclaim their identities and lives after such harrowing experiences? The path to recovery may be long, but the resilience of those affected shines through as they face their futures with courage and determination.