"We're just not the same people": The mothers of the hostages are exposed

Three mothers whose sons were returned from captivity in a deal — Idit Ahel, Vicki Cohen, and Ditza Or — share in an extensive interview about the year that has passed since their return, about coping with ongoing trauma, about the profound change they have undergone, and about their personal and family journey toward rehabilitation.

A year after their sons — Alon Ahel, Nimrod Cohen, and Avinatan Or — returned from captivity in the hostage deal, the three mothers Idit Ahel, Vicki Cohen, and Ditza Or are interviewed together for the first time and recount the tumultuous year they have experienced. Idit Ahel describes the feeling of 'vague loss' during the captivity period, the difficulty of returning to routine, and the process in which the public focus shifted from the mothers to the returning sons, similar to childbirth. Ditza Or, who has not yet returned to her work as an emotional counselor, talks about meetings with communities and educational institutions, the physical and mental harm, and the effort to pull herself together. Vicki Cohen describes the insecurity and mutual adjustment with her son Nimrod upon his return, the decision to leave her workplace and embark on a new path of lectures and workshops, and Nimrod's ability to create a healthy routine of activity. All three emphasize that the trauma has not disappeared, but they choose to look forward and find new meaning.