Survivors of Gaza captivity recount ongoing trauma and need for care
Former hostages and aid workers shared their experiences in a webinar, highlighting persistent physical and psychological wounds three years after the attacks.
On September 17, the Milton Friedman Institute organized a two-hour webinar where former Israeli hostages, rescue volunteers and specialists recounted the horrors they endured and the lasting impact on their lives. Participants described sexual assaults, the abduction of children, and the grim work of recovering and identifying bodies, emphasizing the physical injuries such as broken bones, burns and severe weight loss suffered during captivity.
They explained that ongoing psychotherapy, physiotherapy and medical treatment remain essential for recovery. The forum also highlighted the reluctance of many survivors to speak publicly about sexual violence and the struggle to keep the memory of the 1,200 victims alive. Additionally, speakers criticized international narratives that they say downplay the severity of the events. The event precedes a forthcoming conference on women's freedom and rights scheduled for late September in Milan.
