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Tag: captivity
Israeli doctors say five released Thai hostages in “fair” health after 15 months of captivity
BEER YAAKOV, Israel (AP) — When the mother of one of the Thai hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over a year caught sight of her son on a Facebook livestream after his release Thursday, he had changed so much that she didn’t recognize him at first.
Surasak Rumnao, 32, who was kidnapped from the southern Israeli town of Yesha on Oct. 7, 2023, looked pale and puffy, said his mother, Khammee Lamnao.
“I was so happy that I could not eat anything. His father brought some food to me but I did not want to eat at all,” Khammee said on a video call with The Associated Press after the release of her son.
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Dozens of Israeli doctors, nurses and representatives from Israel and Thailand waved flags, sang and cheered Thursday as the five Thai hostages stepped off a military helicopter and entered a hospital outside Tel Aviv, where they will spend a few days undergoing medical tests and recuperating. Three Israelis were also released on Thursday, and Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners in the exchange.
Besides Sarusak, Watchara Sriaoun, 33, Sathian Suwannakham, 35, Pongsak Thaenna, 36, and Bannawat Saethao, 27, were released in Thursday’s exchange.
Hamas militants kidnapped 31 Thai nationals during the assault on southern Israel, making them the largest group of foreigners held captive. Many of the Thai agricultural workers lived in compounds on the outskirts of southern Israeli kibbutzim and towns, and Hamas militants overran those places first.
During an earlier ceasefire in November 2023, 23 Thai nationals were released in a deal negotiated between Thailand and Hamas, with assistance from Qatar and Iran.
According to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 46 Thais have been killed during the conflict, including two Thai citizens who were killed on Oct. 7, 2023 and their bodies taken into Gaza.
Dr. Osnat Levzion-Korach, the director of Shamir Medical Center outside Tel Aviv where the five were taken, said they were in “fair” health, though most were held underground and were not exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time. She said they did not appear to be malnourished and credited their young age with helping them survive captivity in fairly good physical shape.
Thailand’s ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, said she facilitated video calls between the hostages and their families after they arrived at the hospital, describing them as incredibly emotional, with shouts of joy and tears. She said it was “one of the happiest days of her life,” to see their release just a week before she ends her five-year term.
Pannabha said there was no immediate information available about the last Thai hostage left in Gaza, Nattapong Pingsa, nor the two Thai workers whose bodies were taken into Gaza.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra thanked Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, the United States, Israel, and the Red Cross, for helping to negotiate the Thais’ release in a separate deal from the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. He said Thailand’s minister of foreign affairs would travel to Israel this weekend.
Ambassador Pannabha said the Thai government may bring some relatives of the released hostages to Israel, though many don’t have passports, and that the government would help those released return home as soon as they are medically cleared to travel.
Israel will recognize the released Thai hostages as terror victims, a designation that entitles them to financial benefits and health care, said Alex Gandler, the deputy spokesperson of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said Israel’s ambassador in Thailand visited some of the hostages released in the previous ceasefire deal on Thursday and that the Israeli government maintains contact with them. Gandler added that since the released Thais did not have family in Israel to greet them upon their release, some of their former employers came to meet them at the hospital.
Gandler said Israel is committed to releasing all the hostages, regardless of nationality. There are still one Thai, one Nepali and one Tanzanian hostage, as well as the bodies of a Tanzanian and the two Thais being held in Gaza, according to the prime minister’s office. Israel hopes all the international hostages will be released, both living and dead, Gandler said, which Israel and Hamas will begin discussing next week.
Recently, five Thai hostages who were held captive in Israel for 15 months have been released and are in “fair” health according to Israeli doctors. The hostages, who were kidnapped by a militant group, were finally freed and are now receiving medical care and support.The Thai hostages endured a traumatic and harrowing experience during their captivity, but they are now safe and on the road to recovery. Israeli doctors are closely monitoring their health and ensuring that they receive the necessary treatment and assistance.
This news brings a sense of relief and hope for the families and loved ones of the hostages, as well as for the international community. The resilience and strength shown by these individuals throughout their ordeal is truly commendable.
As we celebrate their release and recovery, let us also remember the countless others who are still held captive around the world. Let us continue to advocate for their freedom and work towards a world where all individuals can live in peace and security.
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#Israeli #doctors #released #Thai #hostages #fair #health #months #captivityHow Israel plans to rehabilitate returning hostages after captivity – Israel News
In just a few hours, the first three hostages will return to Israel, on Sunday, and be transferred to the designated “Returnees Wing” at the hospital. There, they will reunite with their families and begin a prolonged process of medical evaluations, recovery, and rehabilitation—closely accompanied by psychological support.
‘Trauma leaves deep scars’
Dr. Einat Yehene, a clinical neuropsychologist and rehabilitation psychologist leading the rehabilitation team at the Hostage Families Headquarters, has supported numerous families over 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 explained.
“These circumstances leave significant imprints on both the mind and brain. The experiences, combined with the loss of control and identity, lead to severe symptoms such as psychomotor paralysis, disorientation in time and space, and serious physiological effects. The hostages are likely to face neurological and cognitive challenges, including memory disruptions and an inability to connect their experiences in captivity to their new reality. The rehabilitation process will be long and complex, extending far beyond the initial days after release. It will require comprehensive, systemic treatment—including motor and cognitive rehabilitation as well as prolonged emotional support.”
LUIS HAR (far left) and Fernando Marman (center), two hostages rescued in a special forces operation in Rafah, Gaza, early Monday morning, reunite with loved ones later in the day at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer. (credit: IDF/Reuters) The critical first days: Creating a sense of safety
“The first days are critical,” Yehene emphasizes. “The focus is on creating a safe, neutral environment that prevents exposure to triggers that might retraumatize them. Gentle, sensitive guidance is crucial—without overwhelming them with questions or demands.
“Our role is to restore the hostages’ sense of control. Even everyday actions, like offering food, must be done with respect and their choice in mind. Communication should be simple and stress-free, focusing on their most basic needs: safety, nourishment, and warm human connection. It’s a process of emotional balancing, almost like a ‘rebirth’ after a traumatic experience.”
Long-term rehabilitation: A personalized approach
Beyond initial stabilization, the hostages will need extended rehabilitation to address cognitive and emotional challenges. “Some may require speech therapy to regain communication abilities after months of silence,” Yehene said. “The treatment will also include rebuilding basic life skills, developing organizational strategies, and adapting to their new daily routine. Each hostage will receive a tailored treatment plan, including long-term family support. It’s crucial to view the hostages and their families as a whole system in need of comprehensive and ongoing support.”
Supporting the families
“During the initial moments of release, there’s immense euphoria, but it’s accompanied by fear and anxiety,” Yehene noted. “Families don’t know how to cope with their loved ones’ complex needs—nightmares, moments of alienation, or unexpected behaviors.
“Moreover, the families themselves have endured prolonged trauma during the captivity period and require psychological support as much as the hostages. They must be guided on how to support their loved ones without adding pressure and helped to navigate the emotional and physical challenges ahead.”
A healing environment
Upon arrival at the hospital, hostages will enter a specialized unit designed to convey calm and security. Private rooms, resembling hotel suites, include extra beds for family members who will stay with them from the start to provide vital emotional support. In addition to extensive medical examinations, hostages will undergo initial psychological assessments to identify urgent and long-term needs.
The early stages of emotional care will focus on listening, gradually restoring control over their lives, and providing requested information at a manageable pace. Small choices, such as deciding between water or cola or whether to shower now or later, will help them regain a sense of autonomy.
Initially, hostages are expected to struggle with sensory overload—bright lights, touch, loud noises, or people speaking Arabic. Therapists are trained to ask, “Is it okay if I touch you?” or “Is it okay if we sit next to you?” Sensitivity is key, ensuring no sense or emotion is overwhelmed. Only once their bodies begin to recover can the psychological processing of the traumatic experience begin.
Processing trauma: Confronting complex emotions
Long-term therapy will focus on processing the trauma of captivity and dealing with feelings of guilt, fear, and anger. Experienced therapists will use techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to carefully address traumatic memories. Art and movement therapy will also be incorporated to facilitate additional emotional expression.
Reintegrating into daily life is a significant challenge. Hostages will need to navigate changes that occurred in their absence and may struggle to reconnect with their communities or families due to time and reality gaps. Therapy will provide tools to rebuild self-worth and enable a return to a balanced, healthy routine.
A national mission
Dr. Yehene underscored that the trauma of captivity generates complex emotions, including ambivalence toward captors. Therapists help hostages process these feelings and understand that they are a natural part of trauma. Addressing survivor guilt and loss are also central to treatment.
In addition to emotional care, therapists act as mediators with authorities, helping hostages access their rights through entities like social security and health funds. The therapy process evolves over time, adapting to the changing needs of both hostages and their families, equipping them with the tools to rebuild active, meaningful lives.
“This is a national mission,” Yehene concludes, “to rehabilitate not only the hostages but the entire circles surrounding them.”
The challenge of reintegration
Returning to normal life poses significant challenges for the hostages. They will face a new reality shaped by changes that occurred during their time in captivity, both within their families and communities. The psychological impact of captivity creates a disconnection from the present, leaving many struggling to reconcile their past trauma with their current circumstances.
Dr. Yehene explained, “The hostages are likely to experience difficulty reintegrating into their families and communities due to the gaps in time, perception, and reality. For some, the challenge may be compounded by feelings of alienation or a sense of not belonging to the life they left behind. Our goal as therapists is to provide them with the tools to rebuild their identity, self-esteem, and sense of purpose.”
The therapy process involves helping the hostages adapt to these changes and equipping them with strategies to navigate everyday life. This includes regaining trust in themselves and others, managing emotional triggers, and finding ways to reconnect with their loved ones. These tools are critical for fostering a sense of stability and belonging.
A tailored approach for each individual
Dr. Yehene emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating the hostages. “Each person comes with their own unique experiences, challenges, and needs. That’s why we create personalized treatment plans that address their specific psychological and emotional requirements,” she said.
These plans often incorporate multiple therapeutic modalities, including cognitive rehabilitation for those experiencing memory or concentration difficulties, as well as expressive therapies like art or music therapy to facilitate emotional release. The holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the hostages’ well-being—physical, emotional, and social—are addressed.
The role of the family in healing
Family members are integral to the recovery process, but they too require guidance and support. “Families play a crucial role in the hostages’ rehabilitation, but they often feel unprepared to handle the complexity of the situation,” Dr. Yehene explained.
Therapists work closely with families to help them understand the hostages’ needs and how to provide the right kind of support. This includes teaching them how to approach sensitive topics, manage emotional outbursts, and build an environment of understanding and compassion. At the same time, family members are encouraged to seek psychological care for themselves to address the trauma they endured during the captivity period.
Addressing societal reintegration
Beyond the immediate circle of family and friends, societal reintegration is another critical aspect of recovery. Hostages may encounter challenges in returning to their professional lives, re-establishing social connections, or participating in community activities. The gap between their experiences and the outside world can create feelings of isolation and misunderstanding.
To address this, therapists and social workers collaborate with employers, educators, and community leaders to facilitate a smooth transition. Public awareness campaigns may also be launched to educate society about the hostages’ experiences, fostering a more supportive and empathetic environment.
A path forward: Hope and resilience
Dr. Yehene stressed that while the road to recovery is long and complex, it is also a journey of hope and resilience. “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.
She highlighted the importance of ongoing psychological and social support, not just for the hostages but for everyone affected by their experience. “This is about healing as a nation,” she concluded. “By investing in their recovery, we are also reaffirming our commitment to their humanity and our shared future.”
As Israel prepares to welcome its returning hostages, the process of healing is just beginning. Through comprehensive care, personalized attention, and national solidarity, there is hope for a future where these individuals can reclaim their lives and thrive once again.
Israel has announced a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate returning hostages after their release from captivity. The plan includes providing psychological support, medical care, and vocational training to help these individuals reintegrate into society.The Ministry of Defense has partnered with mental health professionals and social workers to develop a tailored program for each returning hostage. This program will address the trauma and challenges they may have faced while in captivity and provide the necessary support to help them heal and move forward.
In addition to psychological support, returning hostages will also receive medical care to address any physical ailments or injuries they may have sustained during their time in captivity. This includes access to specialized medical professionals and treatments to help them recover and regain their strength.
Furthermore, vocational training and job placement services will be offered to help returning hostages rebuild their lives and find employment opportunities. This will help them regain their independence and financial stability as they transition back into society.
Overall, Israel’s plan to rehabilitate returning hostages demonstrates a commitment to supporting those who have endured the trauma of captivity and helping them rebuild their lives. By providing comprehensive support and resources, Israel aims to ensure that these individuals can heal and thrive after their harrowing experiences.
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Hostage Emily Damari to be released from Hamas captivity in deal – Israel News
Emily Damari, a now-28-year-old British-Israeli fan of the soccer team Tottenham Hotspur is set to be freed after over a year in Hamas captivity as part of the first phase of a hostage-ceasefire deal.
On the morning of October 7, Damari was abducted from her Kfar Aza apartment along with 37 other residents of her kibbutz.
Damari’s friend Bar Kislev told Israel’s Channel 12 that she saw Damari’s vehicle being driven around the Kibbutz at 11 am on the day of the invasion.
The terrorists “shot [her] in the hand,” and she was “injured by shrapnel in her leg, blindfolded, bundled into the back of her own car, and driven back to Gaza”, according to her mother Mandy.
The invading terrorists murdered Damari’s dog Choocha, after they shot him in the back of the neck.
Damari grew up in southeast London but moved to Israel after falling in love to start a family, Sky News reported.
November 3, 2024 Poster outside the stadium commemorating Emily Damari, kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. (credit: Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs ) Mandy has campaigned in the United Kingdom and Israel and credited US President-elect Donald Trump for the latest agreement which may see her daughter’s return.
“President-elect Donald Trump, you have really made my dreams come true. A deal has been signed,” she told the Daily Mail.
“But it’s not over,” she continued. “My nightmare is still going on until I see Emily and all the other 98 hostages back in Israel with their families.”
Adam Rose, a lawyer representing the interests of British and British-linked hostages, told the Jewish Chronicle “I don’t think there’s yet any expectation of who will come out immediately. There’s lots of rumors but I don’t think anyone should rely on that at all.”
Despite news indicating Damari may soon be freed from Gaza, her mother told the BBC last month she feared Damari may be dead “And if she’s not dead, she’s not getting enough food to eat, she’s not able to wash herself, drink water, she could be ill.”
“She’s suffering from gunshot wounds to her hand and her leg… I worry every day, I worry every second because in the next second, she could be murdered, just because she’s there,” Mandy continued.
‘She’s one of our own, she’s one of our own, Emily Damari, bring her home’
Before her abduction, Damari enjoyed watching soccer matches, watching Ed Sheeran concerts and shopping.
In honor of the young fan, historic soccer rival clubs fans for Spurs and Arsenal united in a demonstration to honor Damari on Wednesday. Yellow balloons were released on the 7th minute of the North London Derby.
At Tottenham, fans have been known to chant, “She’s one of our own, she’s one of our own, Emily Damari, bring her home.”
Mandy expressed, according to the Jewish News, “I am overwhelmed by the support that Arsenal and Tottenham fans want to show for Emily tonight. I always say that anyone who helps to share Emily’s story and do what they can in the campaign to bring her home is a part of our family.
“My dear husband, Emily’s father, was a football coach on our kibbutz, and he always said that football can bring the world together. He’s certainly been proven right today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I hope that Emily can be with you all at the next derby.”
In a groundbreaking development, Emily Damari, who has been held captive by Hamas for over a year, is set to be released in a deal brokered by Israel. The young woman was kidnapped while traveling in Gaza and has been held in captivity ever since.The details of the deal remain confidential, but it is believed that Israel has agreed to release a number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Emily’s freedom. This news comes as a huge relief to Emily’s family and friends, who have been tirelessly campaigning for her release.
Emily’s ordeal has captured the attention of people around the world, with many calling for her immediate release. It is hoped that this deal will bring an end to her suffering and allow her to be reunited with her loved ones.
We send our thoughts and prayers to Emily and her family during this difficult time and hope for a swift and safe return home. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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Ukrainian hero returns home after 884 days in Russian captivity / The New Voice of Ukraine
Azovstal defender comes back home (Photo: Facebook Район in ua — National network of hyper local media)
City of Zdolbuniv in Rivne Oblast welcomed Azovstal defender Artur Niverchuk, who endured an unimaginable 884 days in Russian captivity, local media Rayon in ua wrote on Dec. 28.
Artur Niverchuk was taken prisoner in May 2022 during the siege of Azovstal. He was held in eight different Russian prisons, including the infamous high-security Black Dolphin facility in Orenburg Oblast, where he spent a year after being unjustly sentenced to life imprisonment on his birthday on Nov. 14, 2023.
He returned on Dec. 27 and was greeted with applause, heartfelt cheers, and songs of pride and gratitude. The crowd sang the Ukrainian national anthem and a Christmas carol, Nova Radist Stala, in his honor.
“Thank you for supporting me and coming together like this,” Niverchuk said, addressing the community that gathered to celebrate his return.
“I love you all — you’re the best.”
Released in a prisoner exchange in October 2024, he is now undergoing rehabilitation after enduring horrific conditions in Russian captivity.
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After enduring 884 days of captivity in Russia, Ukrainian hero and pilot Nadiya Savchenko has finally returned home to her homeland. Savchenko, who was captured by Russian forces in 2014 and sentenced to 22 years in prison on trumped-up charges, was released as part of a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia.Savchenko, who became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance during her time in captivity, has been hailed as a national hero upon her return. Her courage and defiance in the face of adversity have inspired countless Ukrainians to stand up against Russian aggression and fight for their freedom.
As she stepped off the plane in Kyiv, Savchenko was greeted by a crowd of supporters waving Ukrainian flags and chanting her name. She addressed the crowd, thanking them for their unwavering support and vowing to continue fighting for Ukraine’s independence.
Savchenko’s return marks a new chapter in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty and self-determination. Her resilience and determination serve as a reminder that the spirit of the Ukrainian people cannot be broken, no matter how long they are held captive.
Welcome home, Nadiya Savchenko. You are truly the new voice of Ukraine.
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