Freed hostage Or Levy fears son may forget him after captivity

In Israel, on October 7, 2023, Or Levy and his wife, Einav, attended the Nova Festival, leaving their 18-month-old son, Almog, with relatives. Their celebration turned into a nightmare as Hamas terrorists infiltrated their kibbutz. Einav was tragically murdered during the attack, while Or was kidnapped and taken to the Gaza Strip, where he endured a harrowing 16 months of captivity. During this period, Or was unsure of his wife's fate and feared the impact of his prolonged absence on his young son. The emotional turmoil was exacerbated by the uncertainty of his family's future. As time went on, the hope for freedom fluctuated, but ultimately, Levy was released in February 2025. After being airlifted to Sheba Hospital, he anxiously reunited with Almog, who had turned three while his father was missing. Despite his fears that his son might not recognize him, the reunion was heartwarming as Almog told him, "Daddy, it took you too long to come back." Meanwhile, Keith and Aviva Siegel, another couple caught in the same violent episode, also faced their own struggles. While locked in a safe room during the attack, they were forcibly taken away by Hamas militants. Keith was injured during the ordeal, suffering broken ribs and a gunshot wound. They were held in captivity for a significant time, supported by two Israeli soldiers, Agam Berger and Liri Albag, who were also taken hostage. Together, they forged bonds to endure their traumatic experiences. This collective support played a crucial role in their survival, as they shared moments of hope and comfort amidst despair. Keith eventually endured over a year alone in captivity following Aviva's release during a brief ceasefire, and he faced various forms of degradation and abuse from his captors. The psychological impact of this situation left him in a state of near-constant worry for himself and the remaining hostages. As discussions about the potential for a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas surfaced, the collective pain of those affected by this conflict remains a poignant reminder of the unresolved struggles and strains on families involved in this tragic situation.