Hostage Survivors Share Harrowing Stories of Captivity and Courage

“One night, I finally managed to reach the surface and see the stars for the first time. I wrote ‘hostage’ on a sandbag and planned my next move.”

By United with Israel Staff

During the annual General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America on Sunday night in Washington, D.C., former hostages shared their stories of survival and resilience, offering a moving opening to the three-day conference focused on strengthening Israel and its communities.

More than 2,000 attendees rose to their feet in applause as the four former hostages—Avinatan Or, Evyatar David, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and Or’s partner, Noa Argemani—took the stage. Their presence had not been announced in advance, creating a powerful moment of emotion, gratitude, and solidarity.

Or described weeks of painstaking effort to dig his way out. “One night, I finally managed to reach the surface and see the stars for the first time. I wrote ‘hostage’ on a sandbag and planned my next move, but the captors discovered me and beat me for days. They tied me to a chair for a week afterward,” he recounted.

Reflecting on his experience, Or said, “Everything in my life, from my childhood, my parents, military service, and work as an engineer, shaped who I am. I do not see myself as a hero. The real heroes are the soldiers who chose to fight for others. They saved countless lives, and now my mission is to help them.”

He also described the extreme conditions of his captivity. “I spent 738 days underground in Gaza, alone, bound, without light or food. I was one of the last hostages to return home. Most of the time, I was alone in tunnels. For more than two years, I did not see sunlight. Days passed without anyone speaking to me. I did not hear my own language, no one called my name. The hardest part was not knowing what was happening in the world, what day it was or whether the people I loved were still alive.”

Evyatar David highlighted the vital role of families during captivity, saying, “While we were in captivity, our families fought for us every day. They went everywhere, called our names, demanded our return. Their love and strength reached us, even from afar. And today, thanks to them and to so many of you, we are home.”

Guy Gilboa-Dalal recalled the hope he drew from the Jewish community during his imprisonment. “Before I was taken into the tunnels, I managed to listen to some radio. I heard what was happening in Israel and around the world, all the love and support from Jewish communities in the United States and beyond. You prayed for me and for all the hostages to return safely. You gave me hope and strength.”

Or’s partner, Noa Argemani, reflected on the personal relief and joy of his return. “For so long my only wish was simply to see Avinatan alive again. And today, thanks to the strength of so many people, that wish has been fulfilled. Avinatan is home and standing here beside me.”

Their stories are a powerful reminder of the resilience of those who survive unimaginable hardship. These experiences reflect the enduring strength of the Jewish people.