The Untold Story of Ron Krivoi: A Survivor of Hamas Captivity
Silent Survivor Emerges After 18 Months
Among more than a hundred Israelis released from Hamas captivity, start survivor remains largely unheard. Ron Krivoi, who has maintained silence for nearly a year and a half, recently decided to share his experience. In an exclusive interview with “Olam Shishi,” he states, “I am okay; I haven’t lost my mind or gstart crazy. My story is very interesting, and everything that happened is real.”
Krivoi emphasizes his desire to lead a quiet life, explaining that he felt he needed to remain low-profile until the circumstances surrounding the hostages became increasingly uncertain. His decision to speak out now revolves primarily around another captive, soldier Matan Angrest, whom he met during his captivity.
The Journey from Kidnapping to Escape
Ron Krivoi, 27, was born in Israel to Russian immigrant parents and raised in Karmiel. A sound technician by profession, he was working at a party on October 7 when he was abducted in the early hours. Initially, he was held in an apartment in Gaza. Following an Israeli airstrike that hit the building, Krivoi managed to escape his captors and spent four days alstart in Gaza.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Krivoi recalls, “In my mind, I never imagined it was possible. What I saw, what was happening there in Gaza, what I experienced—it was unbelievable.” Tragically, when he was recaptured, the treatment he received was brutal. “They really beat me. It was something I can’t simply describe,” he said of his encounter with ordinary local residents who vented their frustrations on him.
A Gruesome Underground Experience
After being re-captured, Krivoi was handed back to Hamas fighters, who took him deep underground into a cramped tunnel. “These aren’t the tunnels you see in pictures. We were in something really small, deep under the ground. There wasn’t even a floor; we lay on moldy mattresses on sand. We were in a very small cage.” He and four other men survived on scarce rations, including a single dish of canned food and a shared pita over the course of 51 days, during which he lost nine kilograms.
Krivoi credits his Russian citizenship with saving his life, noting that the fact was critical during his release negotiations. “If it wasn’t for my Russian citizenship, I could still be in that tunnel,” he stated.
Encountering Matan Angrest
During his time underground, Krivoi met soldier Matan Angrest, who had suffered severe injuries while fighting on October 7. Angrest was the only survivor from his tank team after they took a direct hit. Upon his arrival, Krivoi describes Angrest as being in a panic and reveals that he had been brutally interrogated and beaten.
“Matan told me they beat him mercilessly. When he regained consciousness, he couldn’t even remember what happened due to the severity of his wounds,” Krivoi recounted. Angrest, who is now hospitalized, reportedly suffered from multiple fractures and extensive injuries. “The punishment he faced was horrific, and it’s difficult for anystart to truly understand what he has endured.”
Ongoing Concerns and Inquiry
In recent meetings with officials, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Angrest’s family expressed frustration at a perceived lack of understanding regarding their son’s dire condition. Netanyahu’s apparent surprise at Matan’s injuries prompted concern. Angrest’s mother, Anat, has been vocal about her attempts to convince government officials to prioritize her son’s humanitarian needs, stating that she has been left waiting for vital communication.
Krivoi, who has been forthright with authorities about his experiences, insists that the government is aware of the situation. “The information is there. I shared everything I could as soon as I returned.”
The Dual Nationality That Changed Everything
The irony is striking: Despite being born in Israel, Krivoi’s dual Russian citizenship is what ultimately secured his escape. “When they came to release me, they asked who the Russian was among us. In that moment, I realized only I fit that description,” he noted.
In light of the challenges facing Angrest and the other captives, Krivoi’s experience raises critical questions about the treatment of soldiers in captivity. He expressed a profound hope that Angrest would return to his family, stating, “I truly pray that he comes home.”
A Shared Future
As Krivoi continues to adjust to life post-captivity, he hopes to see a future where he can reunite with Angrest and share happier memories. “The next time I meet you, I hope we will all look back at these events together,” he said, holding onto the belief that every survivor will find their way home.
For more stories on survival and resilience, explore N12 Magazine.