Released hostage Eviatar David reveals: 'Even when I'm in a safe place, my mind goes back there'

Released hostage Eviatar David published a personal post on social media, sharing the complex rehabilitation process since his return from captivity, dealing with post-trauma and flashbacks, and his dream to recover, get married, and start a family in Israel.

Released hostage Eviatar David published a personal post on social media, revealing the complex rehabilitation process since his return from captivity. David said he went to dance at the Nova party, but in an instant his life changed. According to him, during captivity all he thought about was how to survive another day and hold on until he returned home. "In moments when I almost broke, what kept me going were thoughts of my parents, my family, my friends, and the hope that no one would give up on me," he wrote. Upon returning to Israel, he received much love and support from the public. "People I didn't know told me they prayed for my return. After everything I saw there, the people of Israel reminded me that there is also good in the world." However, he said, coming home did not mark the end of the struggle. "Little by little I realized that even when you come home, not everything comes back with you," he wrote. David said he is dealing with post-trauma and flashbacks, and sometimes, even when he is in a safe place surrounded by close people, his thoughts return to the period of captivity. "I realized that surviving captivity is one thing. Truly rehabilitating is another battle," he wrote. He emphasized that his goal in publishing the post is not to arouse pity, but to share his desire to continue the recovery process. "I am writing because I want to win this battle too. My dream is to recover, get married, start a family in Israel, and truly return to life." According to him, his family and friends opened a crowdfunding campaign to allow him to focus on the rehabilitation process. "If you can help, by donating or sharing, I would be grateful," he wrote. He ended the post with the words: "And again, thank you for fighting for me."