Hostages in Gaza

Ishay Ribo's song that strengthened Romi in captivity

Former hostage Romi Gonen told singer Ishay Ribo about the emotional moment when she heard the song “Tocho Ratzuf Ahava" while in Gaza, after nearly a year in captivity.

Released hostage gives thanks in New York

Captivity survivor Bar Kupershtein visited the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn, and while in the Rebbi's room, he put on tefillin and thanked G-d for his salvation.

Aviva Siegel:

‘I survived. I’m here to tell’

Former hostage Aviva Siegel tells Arutz Sheva why she wrote a book about her ordeal and recalls the abuse, fear and fight to bring her husband, Keith, home.

'Get out of our lives':

Former hostage demands MKs resign

Former hostage survivor Rom Braslavsky, who returned to Israel after two years in Hamas captivity, launched a blistering attack on Israel’s political leadership on Monday.

Former hostage:

'I deserve to know the truth'

'What are they trying to prevent us from knowing?' says Eitan Mor ahead of the High Court of Justice's hearing against the State Comptroller’s investigation into the failures of October 7.

IDF confirms:

Terrorist who abducted Mia Schem eliminated

Ibrahim Abu Tzakar, a Hamas terrorist who operated as a paramedic and abducted Mia Schem from the Nova Music Festival on October 7th, was eliminated in Gaza.

Hostage's mother: 'I've come to give thanks'

Ditza, mother of released hostage Avinatan Or, visited Meron and expressed thanks for the personal and national miracles, 'Our strength is a higher power; one that nothing can withstand.'

Dr Miriam Adelson

‘The best day of my life was when all the hostages returned’

The Israeli-American Council (IAC) honored Dr. Miriam Adelson with the “Defender of Am Yisrael Lifetime Achievement Award."

Hostages' brother joins Yisrael Beytenu

Sharon Sharabi, brother of a hostage murdered in Gaza, joins Yisrael Beytenu, citing security concerns and a mission to strengthen Israeli society.

Father of hostage joins politics

'I don't care about those saying 'anyone but Bibi''

Father of freed hostage Omri Miran will lead the Pensioners Party. “I’m not interested in becoming an MK, but this is the only way to make an impact."

Omer Shem Tov:

Former Hamas hostage rebukes UCLA student leaders

A California Post report says former Hamas hostage Omer Shem Tov criticized UCLA student leaders for condemning his campus talk, calling it an attempt to silence a survivor’s testimony.

UCLA student body condemns event featuring former Hamas hostage

UCLA student leaders condemn an event with ex-Hamas hostage Omer Shem Tov, prompting Hillel to accuse them of anti-Jewish bias.

Former hostage Mia Leimberg named Outstanding Soldier

Hamas captivity survivor Mia Leimberg, who enlisted in the IAF following her release from captivity, receives Outstanding Soldier award at Independence Day ceremony.

'Closure for me'

Captivity survivor and wounded warrior meet

At a Jerusalem ceremony, a former hostage and wounded Golani soldier recount captivity, loss, and recovery, highlighting resilience and hope.

Talik Gvili lights a torch: Pride is stronger than sorrow

Talik Gvili lights a torch on Independence Day in memory of her son Ran, who fell in battle at Kibbutz Alumim and kidnapped to Gaza, delivering a powerful message of heroism, unity, and victory.

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Captivity survivor prays for the State of Israel

Survivor of Hamas captivity Emily Damari recites the Prayer for the Welfare of the State of Israel at Masa's international ceremony for Israel's Memorial Day.

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Anderson Cooper tearfully apologizes to Hersh’s mother

In “60 Minutes" interview, Anderson Cooper tearfully apologizes to Rachel Goldberg-Polin for being the one who informed her and her husband about the video of their son Hersh’s abduction on October 7.

'Thrilled to see you here'

IDF chief Eyal Zamir meets former hostage Matan Angrest

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir meets former hostage Matan Angrest during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Western Wall, telling him: "I'm thrilled to see you here."

Special 60 Minutes interview

'The pain is constant': Hersh's mother speaks

When Hamas abducted her son Hersh, Rachel Goldberg-Polin became the face of the hostage crisis in Israel. Since his murder, she says she has learned that the constant pain of grief is a 'badge of love.' "60 Minutes" is the m

Parents reveal:

Oriya fell in attempt to rescue Bibas family

Parents of fallen soldier SSGT Oriya Ayimalk Goshen reveal to Arutz Sheva that their son fell in Operation Red Heart, which aimed to rescue the Bibas family from captivity in Gaza.

Podcast with grandmother

Freed hostage bursts into tears

Hamas captivity survivor Romi Gonen interviews her grandmother on her new podcast, V1, bursts into tears during interview after hearing that her grandmother has not slept since October 7.

Emily Damari's revenge on the terrorist who held her captive

Captivity survivor Emily Damari shares how she avenged her captor's abuse of fellow hostage Romi Gonen. 'They didn't think anyone would get revenge on them in that way.'

Captivity survivor kicks off Jerusalem marathon

Hamas captivity survivor Rom Brasalvski participates in 10km marathon, running alongside mayor Moshe Lion.

Auschwitz:

Captivity survivors, bereaved father light memorial torches

Captivity survivors and a bereaved father join Holocaust survivor in torch-lighting ceremony at Auschwitz, reflecting on loss, faith, and resilience.

March of the Living

Former hostage Agam Berger performs solo violin piece

Former hostage Agam Berger performs a solo violin piece of “The Town Is Burning" at the central ceremony in Birkenau as part of the March of the Living.

Terrorist who abducted Hersh Goldberg-Polin eliminated

The IDF and the ISA eliminated a terrorist cell that posed a threat to IDF troops in the central Gaza Strip: Among those eliminated, a terrorist who took part in the abduction of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alon Ohel, Eliya Cohen, and Or Levy from a bomb shelter in Re’im.

Bricks are not a memorial site:

Gat family home in Kibbutz Be'eri demolished

Gat family home in Be’eri demolished during rehabilitation efforts after 10/7 massacre, with the family choosing to commemorate their loved ones through a new social initiative.

Hostage survivors to participate in March of the Living

A delegation of Holocaust and Hamas hostage survivors will join the March of the Living in Poland, following concern of cancelation due to the war.

Captivity survivor cries out: “I don’t deserve this treatment'

Captivity survivor Rom Braslavski posted a painful Instagram story in which he pleads for an end to the “limitless wave of hatred" against him on social media. “Unfortunately, most of the attacks are coming from the right," he wrote.

Captivity survivor to undergo foot surgery

Hamas captivity survivor Eliya Cohen to undergo foot surgery, asks public to pray he will be able to stand under wedding canopy and break traditional glass.

Chilling stories from captivity:

'I saw death before my eyes, G-d was with me'

Former hostage Rom Braslavski recounts near-death moments, a failed suicide attempt, and unwavering faith during brutal Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Captivity survivor's testimony

They beat me brutally because of the leaked video

Captivity survivor describes how he was beaten together with Yosef Haim Ohana for two weeks until his leg was broken. “We didn’t even know what Sde Teiman was."

Freed hostage Alon Ohel celebrates first Passover after Gaza hell

Freed Hamas hostage Alon Ohel shares an emotional video celebrating his first Passover since release, contrasting his captivity in a Gaza tunnel - shackled and helpless - with the simple joys of freedom today.

Released Hostage:

They abused us because of the false accusations against soldiers

Bar Kuperstein reveals how false accusations against soldiers at Sde Teiman led to severe abuse of the hostages, with the captors beating them and justifying it as a response to what was shown in the Israeli media.

Emotional meeting between Bar Kuperstein & Pres. Herzog

The President hosted Kuperstein and heard from him about the book "Unbroken." "There is strength and hope in your story that touches each of us."

Captivity survivor: The controversy saved me

In a TV interview, former hostage Omri Miran discusses the disputes within his own family and argues that it was precisely the multitude of opinions and Israel’s democracy that ultimately secured his release from captivity.

'The Last War'

Captivity survivor releases chilling song

New song “The Last War," written with former hostage Bar Kupershtein, recounts his captivity in Hamas tunnels and journey to recovery.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin one of USA TODAY’s 2026 Women of the Year

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh, murdered in Hamas captivity, has become a source of support for those navigating profound grief, drawing on her Orthodox Jewish faith and personal loss to inspire resilience and compassion worldwide.

'All the miracles happen to me'

Captivity survivor's scooter stolen during siren

Jisr az-Zarqa arrested for breaking into Bar Kupershtein's home during missile siren and stealing electric scooter.

'Die but don’t tell'

Matan Angrest recalls 738 days in Hamas captivity

After 738 days in Hamas captivity, Matan Angrest shares his experiences of interrogations, isolation, and the struggle to protect classified security secrets.

Alon Ohel plays live concert to mark first birthday free

Former captive Alon Ohel performed at the Hangar 11 theater as part of an evening marking his first birthday since his release from captivity.

Eliya Cohen shares footage of his return to Israel

One year after his release, Hamas captivity survivor Eliya Cohen shares new footage from the helicopter which brought him to an Israeli hospital following his return to Israel.

'Where everything ends'

Captivity survivor fulfills a dream

Captivity survivor Daniela Gilboa launches her debut single, Where Everything Ends, a deeply personal song written as part of her healing process after returning from captivity.

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Teens take over Times Square with Jewish pride

Thousands of Jewish teens fill Times Square as the CTeen Shabbaton concludes with a global display of Jewish pride, featuring Havdalah, music, and speakers from 60 countries.

How the IDF gathered critical info on hostages in Gaza tunnels

Mako report reveals how the security establishment managed to gather information on hostages held captive in Gaza's tunnels.

Elkana Bohbot returns to Teddy Stadium

Former hostage Elkana Bohbot returns to Teddy Stadium and is welcomed in an emotional ceremony. "I have had moments in my life when you return to your roots, to your values, to your faith, and to your city."

At Idan Amedi concert

Rom Braslavski: I am here thanks to you

Former hostage Rom Braslavski thanks IDF soldiers during a tribute evening at an Idan Amedi concert, moving the audience. "I salute you."

Arutz Sheva Exclusive:

Rabbi Abuhatzeira's blessing fulfilled in an astonishing way

Hostage survivor Segev Kalfon described his father's meeting with Rabbi David Abuhatzeira, and said how the blessing the Rabbi spoke accompanied his family until the release on Hoshanah Rabbah.

Smotrich: Set a new policy for returning hostages

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "Bring the Law to Adopt the Conclusions of the Shamgar Committee to the Cabinet for Decision."

CUNY event:

Outrage for framing Hamas tunnels as ‘decolonial’ resistance

NYC's only public law school to host a talk portraying Hamas’s underground terror network as “decolonial land use," drawing condemnation from Israeli and Jewish advocates who say the event condones an infrastructure used to attack civilians and hold hostages.

Former hostage's chilling testimony

Arbel Yehoud, who was held alone for 482 days, described prolonged isolation and two broken ribs but chose to keep the bulk of the painful experiences to herself.

Two years later

New footage of rescue of Fernando Marman and Luis Herr

Two years ago, Fernando Marman and Luis Herr were rescued from Hamas captivity in a special operation by Shayetet 13. Now, a new video from the soldiers' body cameras has been released.

Arutz Sheva Exclusive:

Segev's revenge against Hamas - Shma Yisrael in Time Square

Released hostage Segev Kalfon tells Arutz Sheva - Israel National News how he had planned to get the last word against Hamas - and how he still intends to do so.

Captivity survivor Romi Gonen undergoes fourth operation

Romi Gonen, who was kidnapped during the October 7 massacre and survived Hamas captivity, says she underwent additional operation on her arm, expresses hope for recovery.

Special Arutz Sheva interview

Segev Kalfon reveals: Captivity horror, miracles & the mission

Segev Kalfon, who survived captivity in Gaza, gives a harrowing interview to Arutz Sheva on moments of terror, incredible miracles, and Rabbi David Abuhatzeira's chilling blessing that came true.

Eliya Cohen's powerful response to Hamas

Hamas captivity survivor Eliya Cohen responds to terror group's claim that bill sentencing terrorists to death would violate international treaties.

Ex-hostage comes full circle

Alon Ohel takes the stage and moves the audience

Idan Amedi, Shlomi Shaban, and other artists participate in a special tribute show "Alon Ohel Plays Life." Artists moved to perform alongside the captivity survivor.

Shabbat Under Gaza:

Six former hostages recount the power of faith in captivity

Six former hostages recounted how faith in God gave them the strength to carry on while still held prisoner by Hamas.

Hamas reveals: Hostages were held meters from IDF troops

Saudi newspaper reports on Hamas efforts to preserve both living and deceased hostages.

Melania Trump meets captivity survivor Keith Siegel

US First Lady Melania Trump held a private meeting with freed American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel in the White House today.