They Went Through Hell: Families of Freed Israeli Hostages Speak Out

Families of Freed Israeli Hostages Speak Out: “They Went Through Hell”

The families of three Israeli hostages—Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy—who were released on Saturday have shared harrowing accounts of their loved ones’ ordeal in Hamas captivity. Their emotional testimonies highlight the suffering endured by the hostages and fuel calls for the immediate release of those still held in Gaza.

‘Nothing Prepared Me for Those Pictures’

Ella Ben Ami, daughter of Ohad Ben Ami, described her horror at seeing her father paraded by Hamas militants on a makeshift stage in Gaza before his release.

“I had many pictures in my mind of my dad, but nothing prepared me for those pictures of him on that stage. I was sure I would be strong, but I fell on the floor and screamed, ‘I’m sorry.’”

At a press conference on Sunday, Ella revealed that her father “went through hell” in captivity and urged the Israeli government to take immediate action.

“The remaining hostages are suffering just like he did. We have to move forward to Phase B and bring everybody back,” she said, referring to the next stage of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal.

‘He Wasn’t the Same Or’

For Michael Levy, seeing his brother Or Levy for the first time in 16 months was a painful shock.

“He wasn’t the same person who left home on October 7, 2023. He came back in poor physical condition. For 16 months, he was hungry, barefoot, and in constant fear that every day could be his last.”

But the cruelest blow came after Or’s release—he learned that his wife, Einav, had been killed in the Hamas attack on October 7.

“For 491 days, he held onto hope that he would return to her,” Michael said.

Now, he is demanding action.

“Or’s return is a miracle, but we can’t rest until every single one of them is back with their families.”

‘Every Second Could Save Lives’

Eli Sharabi’s brother, Sharon, called the release of the three hostages a victory for Israel, but stressed that time is running out for those still in captivity.

“Every moment that passes, every second, could save lives from Hamas tunnels, from this cruel enemy that has massacred us since October 7.”

Eli’s other brother, Yossi Sharabi, was also taken hostage by Hamas but did not survive.

The Urgent Need for Action

Since the start of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas has released 16 Israeli hostages, out of the 33 initially promised. However, eight of those 33 are confirmed dead.

As of now, Hamas and its allies still hold 73 hostages from the October 7 attack—part of the 251 originally taken—along with three additional hostages held captive since 2014.

With families and the Israeli government calling for urgent action, the pressure is mounting for a resolution that ensures all remaining hostages are brought home safely.

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