The Nightmare Begins

Amit Soussana, a former hostage of Hamas, has courageously opened up about her traumatic experiences during her captivity, ultimately attributing her survival to another hostage, Liri Albag. The horrific ordeal began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a coordinated attack that resulted in Sesoussana’s abduction from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza.

The Brutality of Captivity

In a recent interview with Israeli television, Soussana described the brutal treatment she endured at the hands of her captors. “My hands and feet were bound as they beat me with a stick,” she revealed, recalling moments of terror when one of her captors pointed a gun at her and threatened, “You have 40 minutes to tell us the truth, or I will kill you.”

Despite the physical and emotional torment, Soussana demonstrated remarkable resilience. She described fiercely resisting her abductors, refusing to give in even as they forced her to leave her burning home barefoot and dressed only in her pajamas. “It was the battle of my life,” she recounted, clinging to the hope that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would rescue her before she was transported into Gaza.

Solidarity in Suffering

During the darkest moments of her captivity, Sesoussana found an unexpected ally in fellow hostage Liri Albag, an IDF soldier who was also kidnapped that fateful day. Albag played a pivotal role in convincing the captors that Soussana had no ties to the military, effectively saving her life. “I don’t know if they would have killed me or not; as far as I’m concerned, you saved my life,” Soussana expressed gratefully in the interview.

Describing Albag, Soussana said, “She is something special, a force,” emphasizing the profound bond that developed between the hostages as they faced their captors together. Their solidarity became a beacon of hope amidst their shared anguish.

Enduring Unspeakable Trauma

Soussana’s nightmare extended beyond physical assault. In March 2024, she became the first Israeli woman to publicly disclose the sexual assault she endured during her captivity. Speaking to *The New York Times*, she detailed the horrifying events that unfolded while she was chained by her ankle, with every basic necessity requiring permission from her captors.

“He forced me to go to the shower. He entered the room, pointed his gun at me, breathing heavily with a monstrous, beast-like face,” she recalled. The attacker interrogated her while he disrobed, violating her dignity and humanity. “I knew exactly what he was planning, but I was utterly helpless,” Soussana described, reflecting on the depths of her despair.

The Path to Recovery

In the aftermath of her trauma, Soussana described the struggle to suppress her emotions and the societal pressures that compelled her to act “nice” toward her abuser. The psychological scars left by her ordeal are profound and enduring, highlighting the ongoing impact of such violence on survivors.

As the war between Israel and Hamas continues, marked by cycles of violence and negotiation, Soussana’s story serves as a powerful testament to resilience. Since her release in November 2023 as part of Israel’s first hostage deal with Hamas, she has become one of the voices of survivors, shedding light on the brutal realities many endure.

Ongoing Conflict and Hope for Release

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has now transcended 15 months, with the situation evolving day by day. As part of the latest ceasefire agreement, additional hostages are set to be released, including individuals such as Agam Berger, Arbel Yehoud, and 80-year-old Gadi Moses, on January 30.

Soussana’s journey from victim to advocate stands as both a sobering reminder of the tragedies that can arise from conflict and a beacon of hope for those fighting against similar circumstances. Her bravery in sharing her experiences not only honors the memory of fellow captives but also challenges the world to recognize and respond to the plight of hostages caught in violent conflicts.