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Freed Israeli Hostages Rebuild Lives, Cherishing Small Moments of Freedom
Hamas took people hostage during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Some hostages were later freed in exchanges during ceasefires, but dozens did not survive.
People who came home describe how much they value everyday things, like cold water and time with family.
Emily Damari says being free changed how she sees life.
Eli Sharabi says he wants to keep living fully and help families facing trauma and disabilities.
Hagar Brodutch is learning to bake as she starts building a different future.
Aviva Siegel says her family and the kindness of others help her feel less alone.
Their stories show that life after captivity can still be difficult, and rebuilding can take time.
Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages to Gaza, according to the article.
Many hostages were released in exchanges for Palestinian prisoners during ceasefires, while dozens did not survive.
Emily Damari, released in January 2025, says captivity made her grateful for ordinary moments and everyday freedoms.
Eli Sharabi, released after 491 days in captivity, is helping establish a family centre for people coping with trauma and disabilities.
Hagar Brodutch is studying pastry baking as she builds a new future, while Aviva Siegel draws strength from family and community.
- Who
- Former Israeli hostages Emily Damari, Eli Sharabi, Hagar Brodutch and Aviva Siegel.
- What
- They describe their experiences of captivity and how they are trying to rebuild their lives after release.
- Where
- The hostages were taken to Gaza; the article also describes their lives in Israel, including work in Ashkelon.
- When
- The article was published October 5; the reported releases occurred between November 2023 and February 2025.
- Why
- They reflect on how captivity changed their outlook and what helps them cope and build a future.
Key facts
- Attack date
- October 7, 2023
- People killed in attack
- 1,200, according to the article
- Hostages taken to Gaza
- 251
- Emily Damari released
- January 2025
- Eli Sharabi's captivity
- 491 days; released in February 2025
- Hagar Brodutch released
- November 2023, during a brief truce
- Aviva Siegel released
- November 2023; her husband Keith was held until February 2025
Quotes
Hagar Brodutch
Former hostage from Kfar Aza who was freed with children during a November 2023 truce.
“This is about much more than learning how to bake. It is about finding a new path, creating something with my own hands, and slowly building a future.”
theprint.in
“I choose life. I choose to keep living fully, while carrying Lianne, Noiya, Yahel and Yossi with me in everything I do.”
theprint.in
Sources
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