In the aftermath of the release of the last twenty remaining hostages from Gaza in October, a new chapter of healing has begun for those who endured unimaginable suffering. Upon their return, the hostages immediately received medical treatment and psychological support at the Rabin Medical Center near Tel Aviv. This initial care marks just the beginning of a lifelong recovery journey.
Symbolic Closure at Rabin Medical Center
In a poignant gesture, medical staff at the Rabin Medical Center turned off the lights in their hostage care unit as the final hostage departed for home. Professor Noa Eliakim-Raz, who oversees the unit, explained to CBN News, “We have to be very careful to interpret pictures. It’s a bit more complicated than the pictures, of course. The minute they come back, the first thing we do is actually see that there is no emergency—medical or mental.”
Over the past two years, doctors at the Rabin Center treated 40 returning hostages, including five from the recent release. Professor Eliakim-Raz remarked on the harrowing stories shared by these individuals. “We hear terrible stories that you can’t sleep at night after hearing. Some of them were kept in such small spaces they couldn’t even stretch out their hands,” she noted.
The conditions endured by the hostages—ranging from inadequate nutrition to extreme psychological trauma—have severe implications for their health. “The food they were eating, or not eating, the variety—everything affects their physical and mental state,” she added.
Complex Recovery Process
Professor Eliakim-Raz emphasized that the medical staff had to adapt rapidly, developing new protocols to address the unique needs of hostages. “It’s new medicine,” she stated. “Of course, there is not a ‘hostages’ medicine. It’s not a field you learn in medical school.” As they treated the newly freed individuals, the emotional toll of their captivity resurfaced.
Many returnees continue to undergo medical procedures long after their initial release. “Some of the returnees that came back more than six months ago are still going through surgeries,” Eliakim-Raz explained. The healing process is ongoing, and leaving the hospital does not signify the end of their journey.
One of the most notable cases is that of Alon Ohel, who spent two years in captivity after being wounded on October 7, 2023. He faced severe conditions, including starvation, and has since returned for orthopedic and eye surgeries. Professor Irit Bahar, chief of the Ophthalmology Department, described the moment they realized they could potentially restore Ohel’s sight as “an emotional moment and a very remarkable one.”
The surgery was successful, highlighting the resilience of those who survived such traumatic experiences. Dr. Mark Siegel, an internal medicine specialist, remarked on the miraculous nature of their survival, stating, “They survive tremendous abuse, starvation, deprivation, dehumanization, injuries, broken bones, gunshot wounds, and more. It’s a miracle they survived.”
Dr. Siegel also emphasized that the mental recovery process often takes longer than physical healing. “Dehumanization, depersonalization, nightmares, severe anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are being handled right now with kindness and compassion,” he asserted. The support of families is vital for their rehabilitation.
Professor Eliakim-Raz noted the profound strength displayed by the hostages, particularly the mothers and grandmothers who were released in November 2023. “The resilience and strength that these mothers showed is impossible to capture,” she said, praising their creativity in maintaining a sense of hope during captivity.
She shared incredible stories of how the hostages trained their minds to keep track of time and events, emphasizing the power of hope in their survival. “Everyone held on to something that gave them hope,” Eliakim-Raz observed.
The long-term effects of their suffering are significant. The medical community predicts that the psychological and physical consequences may impact their health for decades. “You can see that not only psychological influence but also physical issues like heart disease, dental problems, and even premature aging can persist,” she explained. “The body remembers.”
As the hostages embark on their recovery journeys, they will require ongoing care to help them rebuild their lives. “The main thing is to bring them back to their life,” Eliakim-Raz insisted. The definition of returning to life varies greatly among the hostages, whether it means starting a family, pursuing a passion, or rejoining the military.
The role of families in this process cannot be understated. Eliakim-Raz likened the experience to a new beginning, saying, “They get this person back. They don’t really know what to expect. It’s learning each other again.” Both the returnees and their families have undergone significant changes during the period of captivity.
In closing, Eliakim-Raz expressed her hope that the broader community in Israel will learn from this crisis, recognizing the importance of unity and support in overcoming adversity. The journey of healing is just beginning for these individuals, as they navigate the complexities of recovery together.
