Learning to Be 'Normal' Again: How Israeli Hostages Cope with PTSD and Anxiety After Release

What happens after the horror ends? For the Israeli hostages released by Hamas after weeks of captivity in Gaza, life after freedom can feel like a whole new battle. The world expects them to celebrate, to move on, and to be grateful. But what most people don’t understand is that the real trauma starts the moment they’re "safe."

These hostages endured not only physical deprivation but also the emotional agony of separation from loved ones. Some, like Eli Sharabi, held onto hope throughout captivity, only to face devastating news upon his release. The mental health consequences of these experiences are severe, with many now battling PTSD, anxiety, and overwhelming grief.

Eli Sharabi reunite with his brother and mother. Photo: GPO

A Life in Captivity: Long Months of Trauma

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, killing over 1,400 people and kidnapping more than 200 hostages, including families from Kibbutzim like Be'eri and Nir Oz. Survivors describe being held in harsh conditions. Many were moved between dark, cramped locations within Gaza, often cut off from all communication about what's happening in the outside world.

Basic human needs were barely met. Food was scarce, and access to medical care was minimal or entirely absent. Children were separated from their parents. The lack of any certainty about their fate caused intense psychological distress. For those held for months—or more than a year—time blurred, and the fear of being forgotten by the world outside became overwhelming.

Eli Sharabi’s Heartbreaking Return

One of the most tragic stories is that of Eli Sharabi, a 52-year-old Israeli father from Kibbutz Be'eri. Sharabi was kidnapped during the October 7 attack. During his 491 days of captivity, he clung to hope—imagining the day he would reunite with his family. I can only image how he pictured his wife and daughters waiting for him at home. But when he was finally released on Saturday (February 8th, 2025), Sharabi was told the unthinkable: his wife and children had been murdered by Hamas during the attack.

The shock of this revelation compounded the trauma he had already endured. He went from longing to hug his wife and daughters to visiting their graves. Stories like Sharabi’s illustrate the staggering mental health burden these survivors now carry.

Israeli hostage entering the hospital covered with flag of Israel. Photo: GPO

The Symptoms of PTSD and Anxiety

The psychological toll on survivors is significant. PTSD doesn’t develop overnight, but for hostages, the symptoms can often begin soon after release:

• Flashbacks and Nightmares: Many survivors relive their time in captivity through intrusive thoughts and nightmares.

• Hypervigilance: Even in a safe environment, survivors feel as though they are still in danger, constantly scanning for threats.

• Emotional Numbness: Some become emotionally detached, unable to experience happiness or even connect with loved ones.

• Grief and Survivor’s Guilt: Learning that loved ones were killed during the attack intensifies trauma. Survivors may feel guilty for having lived while others did not.

  
  

These symptoms can persist for years if not properly treated, affecting relationships, careers, and overall well-being.

The Long Road to Healing

Recovery from trauma is not linear, and hostages need access to comprehensive care. Key elements of healing include:

1. Physical Health

Many hostages return in poor physical condition, as we saw with the recent hostage release. Medical care is essential to treat injuries, malnutrition, and other physical complications sustained during captivity. Hospitals in Israel prioritize immediate examinations and treatments, stabilizing survivors before focusing on long-term recovery.

2. Trauma-Focused Therapy

Survivors benefit from specialized mental health interventions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps them confront and reframe harmful thought patterns. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) aids in processing traumatic memories without being overwhelmed by them. Group therapy also offers survivors a space to connect with others who understand their experiences.

3. Family and Community Support

Loved ones play a critical role in recovery. However, families often struggle to understand what the survivor is going through. Education is crucial to help families provide the right support, fostering a sense of safety and understanding for the survivor. Families of the hostages were instructed not to ask them too many questions and to let their loved ones share bit by bit at a time.

4. Spiritual Healing

For many survivors, faith provides hope and resilience. Religious communities in Israel and around the world have offered prayers and emotional support. Turning to religious leaders or participating in rituals can help survivors find meaning in their suffering. As Psalm 147:3 reminds us, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." This message of hope resonates with survivors seeking comfort after enduring unimaginable trauma.

Jerusalem Israel 25.12.2024 Representatives of the families of the hostages at the ceremony of lighting the first candle of Hanukkah at the Western Wall with the participation of the chief rabbis, Shutterstock

Moving Forward: Is Healing Possible?

Can former hostages ever truly heal? The answer isn’t simple. It can be difficult to erase the psychological scars of captivity, but many survivors do find a way to rebuild their lives. Some channel their experiences into advocacy, raising awareness about terrorism and hostage rights. Others focus on reconnecting with loved ones and finding new purpose.

The key to healing is not isolation. Survivors need continuous support from family, community, and mental health professionals. They also need society to recognize that their suffering didn’t end with their release. We have a responsibility to provide them with the resources they need to recover fully—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

A Call for Compassion and Action

The world has a short attention span. Once the headlines fade, there’s a risk that these survivors will be forgotten. But we can’t allow that to happen. We must continue to pray for them, advocate for better trauma care, and support organizations that assist survivors of terrorism.

Freedom is only the first step. Recovery takes time—sometimes years. Survivors like Eli Sharabi need to know they are not alone in this fight. With compassion and dedication, we can help them learn to be "normal" again. It won’t be easy, but as long as we stand with them, there is hope.