Following the October release of the final twenty hostages from Gaza, many have started their long and challenging recovery process. These individuals received immediate medical treatment and psychological care upon their return home, but experts emphasize that this is just the beginning of their healing journey.
Medical Care and Psychological Support for Hostages
In a poignant moment, doctors at the Rabin Medical Center near Tel Aviv turned off the lights in their hostage care unit as the last of the living hostages departed for home. Professor Noa Eliakim-Raz, who oversaw the unit, highlighted the complexity of their condition, stating, “We have to be very careful… It’s a bit more complicated than the pictures, of course.” Upon their return, medical staff conducted thorough evaluations to ensure there were no immediate medical or mental health emergencies.
Over the past two years, the Rabin Medical Center has treated approximately forty returning hostages, including five released in October. Eliakim-Raz shared harrowing accounts from the hostages, noting that some endured extreme conditions, including confinement in tight spaces that prevented them from stretching out. “The food they were eating, or not eating, the variety—everything affects their physical and mental state,” she explained.
As they provided care, the medical team developed new protocols specifically tailored for these unique cases. Eliakim-Raz remarked, “It’s new medicine… There is not a ‘hostages’ medicine. It’s not a field you learn in medical school.” The trauma experienced by these individuals often resurfaces during treatment, indicating that their recovery will be a prolonged process.
Long-Term Impact of Captivity
One of the returned hostages, Alon Ohel, spent two years in captivity after being wounded on October 7, 2023. He faced harsh conditions, including starvation, and returned to the hospital for orthopedic and eye surgeries. Professor Irit Bahar, the chief of the Ophthalmology Department, described the moment they realized they could potentially restore Ohel’s sight, calling it “an emotional moment and a very remarkable one.” His surgery was ultimately successful.
Dr. Mark Siegel, an internal medicine specialist, emphasized the miraculous nature of the hostages’ survival. “They survive tremendous abuse, starvation, deprivation, dehumanization,” he stated. He pointed out that while physical recovery is crucial, the psychological effects can be much longer lasting. “Dehumanization, depersonalization, nightmares, severe anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder—these are being addressed with kindness and compassion,” he added.
Professor Eliakim-Raz also highlighted the resilience of the hostages, particularly the mothers and grandmothers among the initial group released in November 2023. She praised their strength and noted their remarkable ability to maintain hope during their captivity. “You hear incredible stories about how they train themselves to keep track of time,” she said. “Everyone held on to something that gave them hope.”
The lasting effects of their experiences can manifest in various ways, including increased risks of heart disease, dental problems, and even premature aging. “The body remembers,” Eliakim-Raz commented, stressing the importance of ongoing care.
The goal for the hostages is to reintegrate into their lives, which may look different for each individual. “For one person, going back to life is running a family, and for another, it’s playing the piano,” Eliakim-Raz noted. The role of families in this rehabilitation process is significant, as they navigate the changes in their loved ones after such traumatic experiences. “They don’t really know what to expect. It’s learning each other again,” she explained.
Ultimately, Eliakim-Raz expressed hope that the broader Israeli community will recognize the importance of solidarity and support during this challenging time. “We felt privileged to work with the hostages,” she concluded. “This crisis can teach us the importance of being a community and working together.”
