After the release of the last twenty live hostages from Gaza in October, a significant recovery process has commenced. Immediately following their return, these individuals received urgent medical and psychological care at the Rabin Medical Center, located near Tel Aviv. While this initial treatment is crucial, it marks only the beginning of a long and complex journey towards healing.
In a poignant gesture, medical staff at the Rabin Medical Center recently turned off the lights in their hostage care unit, symbolizing the end of a chapter as the final hostage departed for home. Professor Noa Eliakim-Raz, who oversees the unit, explained, “We have to be very careful, you know, to interpret pictures. It’s a bit more complicated than the pictures, of course.” Upon their return, each former hostage undergoes thorough medical assessments to ensure they are free from immediate health crises.
Over the past two years, the Rabin Medical Center has treated around 40 hostages, including five of those released in October. Professor Eliakim-Raz described the harrowing experiences shared by many of these individuals. “We hear terrible stories… some of them were kept in small spaces they couldn’t even stretch out their hands,” she noted. The lack of proper nutrition and care during captivity has lasting effects on both their physical and mental health.
The medical team at Rabin had to create new protocols specifically for treating hostages, as there is no formal training for such situations in medical education. “We built that. It’s new medicine,” Eliakim-Raz said, emphasizing the need for adaptive approaches in their care.
Alon Ohel, who spent two years in captivity after being injured on October 7, 2023, faced severe conditions, including starvation and lack of medical treatment. He recently returned to the hospital for orthopedic and eye surgeries. Professor Irit Bahar, head of the Ophthalmology Department, expressed the significance of restoring Ohel’s sight, calling it an “emotional moment.”
In reflecting on the resilience of the hostages, Dr. Mark Siegel, an internal medicine specialist, stated, “They survive tremendous abuse, starvation, deprivation, dehumanization.” He highlighted the extensive challenges the hostages faced, including injuries, nutritional deficiencies, and psychological trauma. “The mental recovery takes longer than the physical,” he continued, underscoring the role of families in supporting their rehabilitation.
The psychological scars of captivity can persist long after the physical wounds have healed. Professor Eliakim-Raz pointed out that many former hostages, even those released months ago, continue to undergo medical procedures. “The fact that people are standing and smiling when they come back home is only a small part of the puzzle,” she observed.
The effects of their experiences could linger for decades, potentially leading to increased risks for conditions such as heart disease and mental health disorders. “You can see that, not only psychological influence, but also physical influences,” Eliakim-Raz explained.
As the hostages reintegrate into society, their individual goals for recovery vary widely. For some, returning to normal life means resuming family duties, while for others, it might involve pursuing personal passions such as music or returning to military service. Eliakim-Raz compared the process of reunification with families to a rebirth, as both the hostages and their loved ones navigate significant changes in their identities.
The medical staff at Rabin Medical Center feels privileged to assist in this recovery process. Eliakim-Raz hopes that this experience will foster a greater sense of community and collaboration among Israelis as they work together to heal from the trauma of recent events.
The journey ahead for these former hostages is challenging, but with the support of dedicated medical professionals and their families, there is hope for a brighter future.
