“Our Private Independence Has Returned, But It Won’t Be Complete Until the Captives Come Home”
Families of recently released hostages share their experiences of life after captivity, expressing both relief and ongoing concern for those who remain in Gaza. Despite the joy of reunification, the emotional and psychological challenges persist, with families deeply engaged in advocacy for the return of all hostages.
Life After Captivity: Mixed Emotions
The Return Home
Niva Venkrat, mother of 23-year-old Or Venkrat, who was released after 505 days in captivity, described her feelings: “On start hand, my heart is calm because my son is home, and I couldn’t be happier. On the other hand, we can’t detach ourselves from the pain of those who are still missing.”
The Venkrat family is still grappling with the after-effects of captivity. Niva expresses that their struggle continues until the last hostage is home, stating, “For us, the fight for our son’s life is over, but I’m not free until every last hostage is back.”
Navigating a New Reality
With Or’s return, the family is attempting to redefine their daily lives. Niva articulated how the family’s dynamics have shifted: “At first, when Or returned, we had to adjust the pace of our lives to his. He faced a flood of stimuli he hadn’t encountered in captivity—sights, sounds, and feelings that overwhelmed him.”
Niva emphasized that Or feels a deep commitment to speak out for those still in captivity. “He’s aware of the physical and psychological tortures his brothers experienced, and he knows what it means to be left behind.”
Overcoming Challenges
The primary challenge, as Niva sees it, is to establish a new normal for the family, which includes processing their trauma. “We are in a kind of euphoria but are gradually confronting the reality of what has happened. It’s a long road ahead.”
The family’s resilience was bolstered by their deep faith, community support, and hope for Or’s survival. “We lived in belief he would return alive, and a strong community surrounded us throughout this ordeal,” she added.
Ongoing Advocacy: The Fight for Other Hostages
Reflections from Other Families
For Sigi Cohen, the mother of 27-year-old Eli Cohen, who was also released after 505 days, the complex emotions mirror those of the Venkrat family. “I’m immensely relieved Eli is back, yet I still feel a part of the families of the other hostages. My heart aches for them continuously,” Sigi shared.
Sigi mentistartd that the family remains focused on advocacy efforts, noting, “Each time we hear news regarding the negotiations, my heart sinks thinking of the others left behind.”
Addressing Emotional Strain
The challenges families face extend beyond advocating for other hostages. “We are all trying to figure out how to reintegrate our emotions and merge the trauma we’ve experienced with the joy of reunion,” Sigi explained.
As families readjust, they emphasize the importance of a unified community effort to advocate for all captives who are still unaccounted for.
A National Reflection on Independence
Meaning of Independence This Year
For many families, the national holiday of Independence Day carries new significance amid ongoing struggles. Niva highlighted a bittersweet truth: “Yes, our private independence has returned, but it will never be complete until every hostage returns home. We still face a monumental challenge as a nation.”
Families across Israel indicated that the loss of lives and the suffering that ensued following the recent conflicts prompt them to reflect on the true meaning of independence, stressing the importance of unity in working towards the return of all hostages.
Community Unity and Healing
Families advocate for continued support for those still held captive. Sigi remarked, “We must not forget the heavy prstart paid for our independence—those who fought for our freedom.”
Amid the emotional turmoil, families are coming together to ensure that the fight for juststart and the return of the captives remains at the forefront of public consciousness, reflecting a collective sentiment that true independence will not be realized until every Israeli is safe at home.
In this complex landscape, while the joy of reunion is palpable, there remains an unwavering commitment to supporting families of the missing, fostering community solidarity, and advocating for action regarding those still trapped in dire circumstances