Hostages in Gaza

Captivity survivor: Every day I choose to get up and thank G-d

Hamas captivity survivor Rom Braslavski shares how he deals with the post-trauma after his return from Gaza, says the experience was 'greatest curse and greatest blessing.'

Captivity survivor: This is how Hamas tried to get me to convert

Freed hostage Rom Braslavski says at least 60% of Jewish hostages converted to Islam in captivity, shares that he returned to religion on October 7.

Happy ending:

Released hostages, Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen, marry

Many survivors of Hamas captivity attended the wedding of Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen, who had been released from captivity in Gaza.

"Gaza the Beautiful" and its slaves

There are those who kidnap child hostages and those who free them. The hypocritical West prefers the kidnappers because it is Israel who freed their abused female prisoners. Op-ed.

250th Independence Day

Captivity survivor performs aboard US aircraft carrier

Freed hostage Alon Ohel joins American musician John Ondrasik in a aboard the USS Nimitz during the United States' 250th Independence Day celebrations

Terrorist who abducted soldier and held hostages eliminated

IDF eliminated Muhammad Na’im Jandiya, who oversaw the massacre in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, abducted Cpt. Daniel Perez, and held three Israelis hostage.

Released hostage:

'1000 days? I'm fighting a war of survival'

Hostage survivor Rom Braslavski says at an event marking 1,000 days since 10/7 that he has been battling PTSD every day since his release from Hamas captivity, and vows to continue sharing his story wherever he can.

Watch: Moving blessing at captivity survivor's henna

Hamas captivity survivor Eliya Cohen celebrates henna together with fiancee Ziv Abud.

Captivity survivor Eliya Cohen's moving message

Hamas captivity survivor Eliya Cohen and partner Ziv Abud celebrate henna ceremony ahead of wedding. 'Thank you, Father.'

Edan Alexander at Maccabiah:

'You fought for me, now it’s my turn to give back'

Captivity survivor Edan Alexander speaks at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Maccabiah Games: "This nation brought me back, and I will dedicate my life to giving back to it."

Emily Damari's request

Captivity Emily Damari shares her expectations from the next government and a message of hope.

Former hostages travel to US to see England at World Cup

Former hostages Emily Damari and brothers Gali and Ziv Berman traveled to the US to watch England's World Cup victory over Panama, fulfilling a dream they shared before being taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 and celebrating their freedom together.

'Enjoy hell'

Rom Braslavski details brutal abuse by eliminated terrorist

Former hostage Rom Braslavski describes brutal torture by slain Islamic Jihad commander Talal Abd al-Aal, who held him captive in Gaza.

Settling the score:

Islamic Jihad terrorist who held hostages eliminated

The IDF eliminated Talal Jaber Mohammad Abd al-Aal who commanded a terrorist cell that infiltrated Israel and held hostages taken by the Islamic Jihad.

Smotrich: 'Thanks to me, all the hostages are home'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says his insistence prevented Prime Minister Netanyahu from continuing negotiations with Hamas. "I have a very significant influence on the war."

A year after plea for his freedom, Alon Ohel performs on stage

Talking with Arutz Sheva, Kobi Ohel reflects on watching his son Alon perform on the same stage where the family pleaded for his release from Hamas captivity a year ago.

"Why were you silent?"

Former hostage Ilana Gritzewsky confronts UN

Former hostage Ilana Gritzewsky addressed UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, accusing UN Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem of ignoring the suffering of Israeli women who were abused and abducted during the October 7 massacre and Hamas captivity.

Nukhba terrorist who held Omer Shem Tov captive eliminated

The terrorist also infiltrated Israel during the October 7 massacre.

Nukhba commander who abducted child eliminated

The terrorist infiltrated Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7th massacre and attempted to train terrorists at a Gaza hospital.

Captivity survivor reveals the abuse he suffered

Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, captivity survivor Guy Gilboa-Dalal shared his painful experiences from captivity in Gaza.

Captivity survivor Ram Braslavski's religious announcement

Hamas captivity survivor Rom Braslavski shares decision to switch from wearing a small kippah to wearing a large one, says he is doing it 'for Judaism and the Torah.'

IDF eliminates October 7 terrorists

IDF eliminates two Hamas terrorists involved in October 7 massacre; one of them held numerous hostages.

Watch:

Dramatic footage from the hostage rescue

The YAMAM has released new footage this evening from Operation Arnon, in which four hostages were rescued from Nuseirat in Gaza.

Former hostages visit Arutz Sheva studios in Jerusalem

Former hostages Aviva and Keith Siegel visit the Arutz Sheva studios in Jerusalem. During the visit, Aviva Siegel writes a personal inscription to CEO and Editor-in-Chief Uzi Baruch, thanking him for his continuous support of the hostages and their families.

Tzvika Mor to run in party primaries

Tzvika Mor, father of hostage survivor Eitan Mor, says he was not given a reserved party-list spot and will face the central committee vote, expressing confidence the party will clear the electoral threshold.

Watch

Terrorist who abducted hostages from bomb shelter eliminated

Yousef Ayesh Awad Ramadan, who took part in the abduction of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eliya Cohen, Alon Ohel, and Or Levy, has been eliminated.

'He heard you':

Chilling revelation about Hersh Goldberg-Polin's captivity

Rachel Goldberg-Polin revealed that other hostages had told her that her son heard her voice while held captive in Gaza.

Former hostage reveals psychological abuse in captivity

Elkana Bohbot shared an incident of particularly cruel abuse by the terrorists after they served him and other hostages a meal.

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.

Watch:

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."