The three hostages released from Gaza after 491 days of inhumane treatment in captivity—Or Levy, Ohad Ben Ami, and Eli Sharabi—are facing severe physical and mental suffering. When they were released on Shabbos, they looked frail, malnourished, and unsteady on their feet. Health officials have reported that the men suffered from malnutrition, weight loss, heart problems, infections, and both physical and psychological abuse during their time in captivity.
The hostages were subjected to extreme deprivation, often being given only minimal food—sometimes just a small portion of pita per day. Or Levy spent his entire captivity completely alone in tunnels with no other hostages. He was kept barefoot, had limited access to showers, and lived under appalling conditions. These harsh circumstances led to severe health issues, with Or losing 44 pounds over 16 months. Eli Sharabi and Ohad Ben Ami experienced similar treatment, enduring confinement with very little access to food, hygiene, or medical care. This prolonged suffering and abuse left them physically weak, with dramatic muscle loss, and their overall health continuously getting worse. Though Hamas may have tried to provide more food near the end of their captivity, in a manipulative attempt to fool the world into thinking the hostages got better treatment, the damage done by starvation, harsh conditions, and psychological torment was painfully clear. The released hostages are now receiving medical care in Israeli hospitals, where their recovery will involve both physical treatment and emotional support.
The images of the hostages returning to Israel were heartbreaking, shocking, and disturbing as they showed just how brutal their conditions had been. There is an even deeper sense of urgency now to bring home the remaining hostages and rescue them from the inhumane monsters in Gaza. We continue davening for every one of them to come home safe and healthy.
