Choosing life: Three years after being taken hostage, former Gaza hostages savor each moment

Three years after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, former hostages describe how captivity reshaped their lives. Emily Damari, Eli Sharabi, Hagar Brodutch, and Aviva Siegel share stories of recovery, gratitude, and rebuilding — from launching a clothing line to opening a family therapy center and taking up pastry baking. The article, based on Reuters reporting, presents their first-person accounts of choosing life after trauma.

Three years after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack — Israel's deadliest single day, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage — former Gaza hostages describe how captivity reshaped their outlook on life. The article, based on Reuters reporting, profiles four former hostages. Emily Damari, 30, abducted wounded from Kibbutz Kfar Aza and released in January 2025, says freedom changed how she sees life. She recently married and launched a clothing line carrying the slogan 'never lose yourself.' Gratitude, she says, has become central to who she is. Eli Sharabi, 54, seized from Kibbutz Be'eri, lost his wife and two daughters in the attack; his brother was taken hostage and killed. Released in February 2025 after 491 days, appearing emaciated, he says captivity taught him how precious every moment is. He helped establish the Shalva Sharabi Family Center in Ashkelon to treat families coping with trauma and disabilities. Hagar Brodutch, seized from Kfar Aza with her three children and a neighbor's daughter, was freed in November 2023. She says the daily struggle is immense, especially for children, and that captivity may take years to become just a shadow. She began pastry-baking classes as a form of therapy and a way to build a new future. Aviva Siegel, 65, kidnapped with her husband Keith, was released in November 2023; Keith was held until February 2025. She joined the hostage release campaign and says she feels lucky to be alive, surrounded by love.