Freed hostage: 'I want to show the terrorists that I won'

Evyatar David, freed from Hamas captivity in October 2025, published a candid post on social media for the first time since his return. He spoke about his struggle with post-traumatic syndrome, painful memories, and fundraising for treatment. David emphasized that he wants to recover, get married, and start a family, proving to the terrorists that he won.

Evyatar David, captured by terrorists on October 7, 2023 at the Nova festival and released on October 13, 2025 as part of a prisoner exchange deal, published a candid post on social media for the first time since his return. On Thursday, July 30, he said he is struggling with post-traumatic syndrome and painful memories of captivity. David admitted that surviving captivity is one thing, but truly recovering is another. His dream is to recover, get married, and start a family in Israel. His family has opened a fundraiser for his treatment. He stressed that he wants to prove to the terrorists that he won, and that he never stopped fighting even when they forced him to dig his own grave. David is grateful for the love and support, but noted that captivity does not end with returning home — a new struggle begins.

Freed hostage: 'I want to show the terrorists that I won'