October 7 hostages share survival stories three years on
Israeli hostages freed after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack are sharing stories. They talk about survival and recovery on the third anniversary.
Israeli hostages kidnapped during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack are marking the third anniversary and sharing stories of survival and recovery. Emily Damari, 30, was taken from her home and held for months before release in January 2025.
Emily Damari said captivity changed her relationship with freedom. Eli Sharabi spent 491 days in captivity.
He was held in a tunnel, hungry, chained and beaten. He lost his wife and two daughters in the attack.
He has since set up a family center to help trauma survivors. Hagar Brodutch was held briefly with her three children.
She is rebuilding through pastry-making classes. At Bondi Beach, hundreds gathered to remember the attack that killed 1,200 people.
It led to 251 hostages being taken to Gaza.
- 1,200 people killed
- Attack death toll
- 251 taken to Gaza
- Hostages taken
- 491 days in tunnel
- Eli Sharabi's captivity
- Bondi Beach, hundreds gathered
- Anniversary gathering
Why it mattersThe stories show the long-term emotional journey of survivors. They highlight ongoing trauma three years after one of Israel's deadliest days.
AustraliaAustralians gathered in Sydney to mark the anniversary, and several freed hostages shared their experiences as part of the global remembrance.
Corroborated bysmh.com.au·smh.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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