Hamas captivity survivor Alon Ohel, who was freed from captivity in Gaza last October, posted a video on Wednesday in which he expressed gratitude as he celebrates his first Passover since being freed.
“Hello, beautiful people. It’s absolutely crazy to me that I’m standing here in front of you, able to speak freely. It’s something I’ll never take for granted," said Ohel.
“Who would have believed that just last Passover, I was lying 50 meters underground, shackled at the ankles, completely unable to move, stuck to the floor? Others decided what and how much I would eat. I couldn’t even go to the bathroom when I needed to. And now? I can do everything by myself. I can open my own refrigerator, take out a piece of butter, and simply say thank you."
Ohel continued, “I have no words to describe the overwhelming excitement and gratitude I feel. The fact that I get to celebrate Passover with my family this year is anything but obvious. It’s an incredible blessing. Being able to go wherever I want, whenever I want, without having to answer to anyone - that’s true joy."
“It’s surreal that my freedom has been returned to me. But for me to keep this freedom, there are people fighting right now - reservists and soldiers - battling for the freedom of Israel and for our ability to celebrate this holiday in peace, as much as possible. I don’t forget that for even a single moment," he said, commenting on the current war.
“So I want to say thank you, and wish everyone a joyful and peaceful Passover - as happy and as quiet as it can be under the circumstances. I love you all," Ohel concluded.
(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Passover in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)