It may be too early to determine whether the testimony of Amit Soussana, a former hostage who bravely shared her experiences of sexual abuse and torture during captivity by Hamas with The New York Times, will catalyze the release of additional accounts detailing the crimes committed by the terror group, whether those on Oct. 7 or against hostages.
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Soussana, who was freed after 55 days in captivity, recounted her harrowing experiences and disclosed the sexual assault perpetrated by a terrorist who detained her in a Gaza apartment. Her poignant and courageous revelations sent ripples across Israel and the international community, garnering widespread support from the public, women's advocacy groups, and relatives of hostages still awaiting the return of their loved ones.
Video: Israeli hostages being handed over by Hamas on November 28, 2023 / Credit: Social media
Meirav Leshem Gonen, whose daughter Romi remains in Hamas captivity, said, "It defies logic that we engage in parliamentary recess debates while Amit shares the atrocities she endured. It's inconceivable that amidst proposals demanding Israel's adaptability and resolve, we falter, whereas Amit Soussana, through her resilience, chooses to battle with the indomitable weapon of her truth and lived experiences. Amit epitomizes the essence of Israeli fortitude, accountability, and the imperative for our collective action. Our nation must aspire to honor such remarkable individuals."
Ayelet Levi, mother of 19-year-old hostage Naama, remarked, "Amit's harrowing account underscores the grim reality our beloved daughters confront daily – subject to physical, sexual, and emotional torment. Each day in captivity is interminable. Amit's ordeal mirrors the nightmare that countless abductees, irrespective of gender, face incessantly, possibly even at this moment. We are all in the midst of an ongoing terrorist attack, which must be put to an end. The young girls, the kidnapped girls, and boys – everyone returning from Hamas captivity needs to light a torch" on Independence Day.
The torch lighting ceremony is a central and symbolic event marking Israel's Independence Day celebrations. Held annually at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, the ceremony involves the lighting of twelve torches. Selected individuals who have made significant contributions to society are honored with lighting them.
Simona, mother of 30-year-old Doron Steinbrecher, kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, stated, "Amit deserves our utmost respect; she is a true heroine. Her testimony, a rare firsthand account, serves as a beacon for our kidnapped loved ones who remain voiceless. I am profoundly thankful for her courage to speak out, marking a pivotal moment in our understanding of their plight."
In related news, relatives of the hostages addressed this week the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. Yarden Gonen, Romi's sister, addressed the assembly's president with a poignant plea, "Would you wish this fate upon your loved ones? If not, why permit it to befall my younger sister?" Noam Peri, daughter of 79-year-old Chaim Peri, who remains captive, shared, "Thirty-seven members from my kibbutz, including my father, are still detained in Gaza, isolated from the world."
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