Freed Israeli hostages recount two years of brutal captivity

Freed Israeli hostages recount two years of brutal captivity

Families of freed Israeli hostages are revealing chilling accounts of their relatives’ two years in Gaza — a nightmare of starvation, torture, and psychological abuse. Survivors were whipped, caged, handcuffed, and in some cases thrown into pits with little air to breathe.

Relatives speaking to Israeli media described beatings, deprivation, and attempts at forced conversion. One captive, Rom Braslavski, was whipped and beaten for months, while another, Avinatan Or, was confined in a metal cage after a failed escape attempt. Yosef-Haim Ohana was held in a pit with six others, unable to sit or lie down. Food was scarce; some hostages survived on half a pita a day.

The captors reportedly taunted them with lies — claiming Israel had fallen, thousands of soldiers were dead, and that no one was fighting for their release. Yet moments of defiance emerged: one hostage set fire to a captor’s uniform to cook food; another rewired a radio to hear Israeli broadcasts and discover his father was alive.

Doctors say the physical and psychological damage is severe but treatable. Prof. Itai Pessach of Sheba Medical Center called their ordeal “untold adversity,” adding that recovery “will take weeks, months, maybe years.” Rabin Medical Center staff report severe malnutrition but “a strong will to heal.”

For families, reunion has brought tears and resolve. “We didn’t know where the other twin was,” said freed hostage Gali Berman. “Suddenly, they brought him out.” Another mother, Sylvia Cunio, shouted to reporters, “My children are home!”

Despite the trauma, relatives and doctors alike say the survivors’ spirit remains unbroken. “They came with a big drive to heal,” said Dr. Michal Steinman. “The road is long — but they’re taking their first steps back to life.”

Key Takeaways:

• Freed hostages describe two years of starvation and torture in Gaza.

• Families recount beatings, cages, and psychological manipulation.

• Doctors say recovery will take years but spirits remain strong.

Source: THE TIMES OF ISRAEL