(Courtesy Ma'ayan Toaf, Government Press Office)
It was impossible not to feel touched as the final six living Israeli hostages from phase one of the hostage-ceasefire deal were released. Their return to Israel was an emotional and hopeful moment, after people across the country and the world waited for them to come back home.
The release brought tears as the hostages were reunited with their families. Among those freed were Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, Eliya Cohen, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, reported The Times of Israel.
It was the largest single-day release since the deal began. The release comes as the world awaits the return of more hostages from Gaza after terrorists infiltrated the Israel-Gaza border on October 7, killing around 1,200 people.
Emotional Reunions as Israeli Hostages Return to Loved Ones
It was a long-awaited day of tears and joy as Tal Shoham reunited with his family. The father of two embraced his nine-year-old son Naveh, as both waved to cheering onlookers.
Shoham’s wife Adi, their four-year-old daughter Yael, and son Naveh had been released in November 2023, but the family had been waiting for Shoham’s return. The family called the moment “unforgettable,” and said it was “filled with a whirlwind of emotions,” reported Israel Hayom.
In a heartwarming moment, Eliya Cohen, who was taken hostage at the NOVA music festival, was brought to his family. He also reunited with his fiance Ziv Abud, who he did not know was alive, reported The Guardian. She has campaigned to raise awareness about Cohen’s captivity. Their reunion was emotional, with the two embracing and sharing tears.
According to The Times of Israel, another hostage released in the deal, Omer Shem Tov, reunited with his parents for the first time after 505 days in captivity, as shown in footage from the IDF. “You have no idea how much I dreamed of you,” Omer told his parents while they embraced. “Us too,” they replied.
Omer Wenkert, 22, who was kidnapped from the Nova festival, is finally back in Israel with his family, reported Israel Hayom. "He looks like himself," his mother said.
While four of the hostages in this round were released after more than a year in captivity, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed were returned after being held for a decade in Gaza. "Ten years and five months of unimaginable suffering have passed for our family," Mengistu’s family shared.
(Courtesy Ma'ayan Toaf, Government Press Office)
Israeli Hostages Face Road to Recovery
While the return of the six hostages has brought relief to their families and the nation, the former captives face a long road to recovery. This includes medical evaluations and rehabilitation, along with psychological support, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Dr. Einat Yehene, a clinical neuropsychologist and rehabilitation psychologist who leads the rehabilitation team at the Hostage Families Headquarters, has been helping families throughout the past year. “These hostages come from a reality of extreme violence, constant fear, and dire conditions — exposure to violent scenes, nutritional deprivation, sleep deprivation, and threats,” Yehene said.
Hostages may require different treatments, which can include speech therapy, rebuilding basic life skills, developing organizational strategies, and adapting to their new daily routines. “Each hostage will receive a tailored treatment plan, including long-term family support,” Yehene added. Yehene stressed that while recovery is long and complex, it is also a journey of resilience and hope. “The trauma of captivity is profound, but with the right care and support, hostages can rebuild their lives and find meaning in the future,” she said.
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