Freed hostage Ofer Calderon only found out weeks ago that his son survived Oct. 7

Former hostage Ofer Calderon, who was released yesterday from Hamas captivity after 484 days in Gaza, only found out a few weeks ago that his son Rotem survived the onslaught of October 7, 2023.

Ofer’s cousin Eyal is quoted by Ynet as describing details the freed captive has told family members.

“He was in great uncertainty in captivity, and then found out from a media interview that his son was still alive,” Eyal Calderon says.

“It’s unfathomable what he went through there, but at least yesterday he was in a very positive state.

“There’s a long path ahead, rehabilitation will be lengthy and will have ups and downs. It’s important for people to know that yesterday’s images are misleading and don’t reflect what Ofer has been through. Captivity wasn’t a walk in the park. He’s gaining strength now, breathing in his children and starting to fathom what he went through in this year and a half.”