First Words After 477 Days

Naama Levy, one of the four female Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers released from Hamas captivity on Saturday, has publicly shared her first thoughts since her unimaginable ordeal. The emotional post on Instagram conveyed her overwhelming relief: “After 477 days, I’m finally home. I’m safe and protected, surrounded by family and friends, and I am feeling better by the day.”

An Expression of Gratitude

In her heartfelt message, Levy expressed deep gratitude to the “Israeli combat soldiers and the Israeli people” who contributed to securing her freedom. “Thank you all. I love you,” she wrote, acknowledging the collective efforts that led to her release.

The Abduction: A Collective Experience

The ordeal began on October 7, 2023, when Levy was one of five IDF soldiers—alongside Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev, and Agam Berger—who were abducted during Hamas’s surprise attacks. While a ceasefire agreement has led to the release of Levy and her three companions, Agam Berger remains in captivity.

Recalling the harrowing nature of her captivity, Levy described how the first 50 days were spent in isolation. However, the emotional reunion with her fellow soldiers became a source of strength for the group. “We stuck together and strengthened each other every day until our release and continue to do so afterward,” she shared, highlighting the solidarity amongst the captives. “We are waiting for Agami [Berger] and the rest of the hostages to return so we can complete the recovery process.”

A Haunting Symbol of Suffering

During her captivity, a haunting video of Levy made waves on social media, featuring her in a vulnerable state, wearing a black shirt and bloodied gray sweatpants while she struggled to walk. The footage, which captured an armed man pulling her from a Jeep, became a poignant reminder of the suffering experienced by female hostages amid Hamas’s brutal attacks.

Ayelet Levy Shachar, Naama’s mother, articulated her feelings in a moving November 2023 essay for The Free Press. She expressed her fears that the widely circulated images would define her daughter’s perception of the world. “When she is released, I pray that the image of her abduction, and the experience of what that image represents, isn’t how she comes to see the world,” Shachar wrote, reflecting the pain intertwined with moments of relief.

A Bittersweet Return

The release of Levy, Albag, Gilboa, and Ariev stands as a bittersweet milestone. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters characterized their return as “a moment of light in the darkness, a moment of hope and triumph of spirit.” Nonetheless, the backdrop of their return highlights the grim reality faced by families of the remaining 90 hostages still believed to be in Gaza.

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas stretches beyond 15 months, tension remains palpable. Families continue to grapple with the uncertainty surrounding the lives of their loved ones, anxiously awaiting their safe return.

The Ongoing Conflict

The war, triggered by the devastating October 7 attacks, casts a heavy shadow over the region. Since that fateful day, hostages remain in Gaza while the echoes of loss and despair permeate through Israeli society. Levy’s experience underscores a broader narrative of resilience amid trauma, inspiring hope for eventual reunification.

The emotional impact and resilience portrayed by Levy and her comrades serve as a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit, even in the face of extreme adversity. As they navigate the challenges of reintegration into civilian life, the reflections of survival and camaraderie will undoubtedly shape their outlook for the future.