**Efrat Machikawa recounts her uncle's ordeal while in captivity, highlighting the psychological and physical challenges faced by released hostages.**
**Survivor's Tale: Gadi Moses' Resilience During Captivity**
**Survivor's Tale: Gadi Moses' Resilience During Captivity**
**A Glimpse into the Harrowing Experience of Freed Hostages from Gaza**
As the dust settles from the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the stories of those held captive are beginning to surface. Among the freed hostages, 80-year-old Gadi Moses stands out not only for his age but for the incredible resilience he displayed during his 15 months in captivity. His niece, Efrat Machikawa, shared her uncle's harrowing experience, revealing that his diet consisted mainly of a piece of bread and an olive, just twice a day. "I still can't comprehend how he survived," Efrat told us, noting his significant weight loss.
Hygiene was also a luxury; Gadi received just a small bowl of water every five days and had to ask for basic human necessities. He managed to keep his mind sharp by calculating math problems and walking up to six miles daily in his confined space. Efrat poignantly illustrated her uncle’s mental strength, saying, “Even in dark times, the thought of family kept him alive.”
Gadi was one of 18 hostages released under a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the hostilities following the tragic events that began on October 7, 2023. The agreement allowed for the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, further stirring public sentiments amidst the backdrop of the conflict. The war has been devastating, claiming approximately 47,000 lives in Gaza, according to sources deemed reliable by the United Nations.
Family members are still reeling from the shocking transformations of their loved ones. Keith Siegel, another freed hostage, appeared visibly weakened, with his niece expressing both relief and concern for his health. “He went through unimaginable ordeals but still held on to his principles; he is still a vegan," she revealed. “This is just the beginning of his recovery journey.”
While Gadi's release was triumphant, it came with mixed emotions. Efrat recounted the overwhelming moment of his return, saying that the crowds’ energy left him feeling uncertain. The hostages' families embrace their loved ones’ freedom while grappling with the ongoing uncertainty for those still in captivity, including the Bibas family who welcomed back Yarden but remained without his wife and children.
As hope remains on the horizon, survivors reflect on their experiences and call for continued efforts to secure the freedom of remaining hostages. Efrat emphasized the need “to eradicate terror” while fostering a greater sense of unity among communities. The reality for many families is bittersweet, as they strive to heal amidst the remnants of a conflict that profoundly affected their lives.
Hygiene was also a luxury; Gadi received just a small bowl of water every five days and had to ask for basic human necessities. He managed to keep his mind sharp by calculating math problems and walking up to six miles daily in his confined space. Efrat poignantly illustrated her uncle’s mental strength, saying, “Even in dark times, the thought of family kept him alive.”
Gadi was one of 18 hostages released under a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the hostilities following the tragic events that began on October 7, 2023. The agreement allowed for the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, further stirring public sentiments amidst the backdrop of the conflict. The war has been devastating, claiming approximately 47,000 lives in Gaza, according to sources deemed reliable by the United Nations.
Family members are still reeling from the shocking transformations of their loved ones. Keith Siegel, another freed hostage, appeared visibly weakened, with his niece expressing both relief and concern for his health. “He went through unimaginable ordeals but still held on to his principles; he is still a vegan," she revealed. “This is just the beginning of his recovery journey.”
While Gadi's release was triumphant, it came with mixed emotions. Efrat recounted the overwhelming moment of his return, saying that the crowds’ energy left him feeling uncertain. The hostages' families embrace their loved ones’ freedom while grappling with the ongoing uncertainty for those still in captivity, including the Bibas family who welcomed back Yarden but remained without his wife and children.
As hope remains on the horizon, survivors reflect on their experiences and call for continued efforts to secure the freedom of remaining hostages. Efrat emphasized the need “to eradicate terror” while fostering a greater sense of unity among communities. The reality for many families is bittersweet, as they strive to heal amidst the remnants of a conflict that profoundly affected their lives.
