Freed hostages tell rally it was ‘hell,’ a ‘horror movie’ in Hamas captivity

A clip aired at the Tel Aviv rally for the hostages in Gaza features several women released from Hamas captivity in recent days.

Yaffa Adar, 85, says the hostages suffered “hell” in captivity.

“I beg the decision-makers, get the children and everyone out… I am a voice for many mothers and grandmothers asking ‘release the children now.’ I want to see them now. Not when I’m in a coffin.”

Adar’s grandson Tamir Adar remains held in Gaza.

Danielle Aloni, 44, who was freed with her 5-year-old daughter, says: “We were kidnapped brutally from our home. Our daughters saw things they should not have seen. I am shaking as I speak. It was a horror movie. There was no schedule. You sleep, you weep. Every day was an eternity.”

Noting she has several relatives still in Gaza, she says, “People could die simply because they’ll decide to murder them.”

Protesters hold placards with the picture of 21-year-old Omer Shem Tov during a demonstration to ask for the release of hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attack, in Tel Aviv on December 2, 2023. (AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP)

Ditza Heiman, 84, says in days before her release “there was less and less food. It was near-starvation conditions. It’s mortal… and mental danger. They must be brought out immediately.”

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, who was freed by Hamas in October prior to the deal, says “there is fear that they will take revenge on our captives” amid the war.

“I’m afraid the older people and the young will not stand the pressure. It is the government’s moral obligation to bring them home,” she says.

Her husband, Oded Lifshitz, 83, is still held hostage in Gaza.