Nir Moshe, an Israeli citizen, was taken captive by Hamas militants on April 5th of this year. She was held for 50 days in a location in the Gaza Strip before she was finally released earlier this month. Her harrowing story has now been revealed through an exclusive interview with Israeli news media outlet Walla News.
In the interview, Moshe described the psychological warfare she endured during her captivity. While she was held in a separate room than her captors, she says that Hamas members often showed up to torment and psychologically terrorize her. At times, she would be forced to listen to rants against Israel and threats of sexual violence.
Moshe also alleges that she was given extraordinarily little food, with her captors only providing her with a few pieces of bread and no beverages in the entire 50 days of captivity. The lack of meals along with the psychological torment resulted in her physical and emotional decline.
The experience has left her shaken and scared to even step outside her home. Moshe says her major worry is for those who remain in captivity, stating, “I just hope that they’re all released.”
The current political climate makes it all the more difficult for those who remain in captivity, and Moshe’s interview serves as a staunch reminder of the danger and fear faced by many hostages. Her story obviously brings with it a profound sense of sadness, but also provides tremendous, raw courage and a call to action.