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Former Hamas hostage Naama Levy breaks silence in first message since her release

Naama Levy, one of the four female IDF soldiers released from Hamas captivity, has broken her silence and shared her experience for the first time since her release. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Levy expressed her gratitude to the Israeli combat soldiers and the Israeli people who fought for her freedom. She described feeling safe and protected, surrounded by her family and friends, and getting better day by day.

Levy, along with Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev, and Agam Berger, was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. After 477 days in captivity, Levy was reunited with her family and friends. She revealed that for the first 50 days of her captivity, she was alone, but once she was reunited with the other soldiers taken from her base, they stuck together and supported each other until their release. Levy also expressed her anticipation for the return of Agam Berger and the other hostages still held by Hamas.

As part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, Levy, Albag, Gilboa, and Ariev were released, while Berger, Arbel Yehoud, and an unnamed male hostage are expected to be released soon. Levy’s kidnapping was captured in a viral video that showed her being violently abducted, with her ankles slashed and struggling to walk. She became a symbol of the plight of female hostages and victims of Hamas’ attacks.

In a poignant essay written by Levy’s mother, Ayelet Levy Shachar, she emphasized that the video of her daughter’s kidnapping did not represent the life she had led before October 7. Shachar expressed hope that her daughter would not be defined by that traumatic experience. The release of Levy, Albag, Gilboa, and Ariev was a moment of light in the darkness, a moment of hope and triumph of spirit, but also a painful reminder of the 90 hostages still held in Gaza.

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More than 15 months into the Israel-Hamas war, dozens of hostages remain in Gaza, awaiting their release. Levy’s story serves as a reminder of the bravery and resilience of those who have endured captivity and the importance of continuing efforts to bring them home.

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