As Israel awaits remains of final slain hostages, those released thank the crowds who demonstrated

Avinatan Or, the Israeli former hostage, whose capture and separation from his girlfriend Noa Argamani was recorded on video and spread around the world, told the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, that he tried to dig his way to freedom. 

“I tried to escape,” he says in remarks to the conference last night. “I dug for weeks through sandbags, through a collapsed tunnel towards the surface. I made myself work to change my own destiny.” 

Or also shared that before he was brought down into the tunnels, he heard about the protests in Israel and around the world calling for the release of hostages. 

“Before they took me down to the tunnels, I managed to hear the radio for a moment. I heard what was happening in Israel and around the world - all the love and support from Jewish communities in America and across the globe,” Or said. “You prayed for me and for all the other hostages to return home safely as soon as possible. You gave me hope and strength.” 

He spoke of the family members who “demanded our return.” 

“During our captivity, our families fought every day. They went everywhere, called our names, demanded our return. Their love and strength reached us, even from afar,” Or said. “And today, thanks to them – and thanks to many of you – we are home.” 

His message was similar to that shared by released hostage Maxim Herkin at a rally on Saturday night, where demonstrators continued to call for the return of the final three deceased hostages from Gaza. 

Herkin told the crowds that he “didn’t prepare a speech, I'm speaking from the heart.” 

He thanked the crowds for playing a role in his release, and the release of all the hostages. 

“I’m here because of you,” Herkin stated. “I'm fulfilling my dream. For two years I dreamed of this moment, of the privilege of standing here. For one thing – to say thank you. You are the real heroes, you brought me home and not just me, almost everyone.” 

He spoke of seeing the demonstrations on television in the tunnels and being encouraged. 

“When I sat in the tunnels and saw all this power, the stage with the signs. I said one simple thing – if I could physically stand here and hug everyone, I would do it. So I hug you from the stage,” Herkin said. 

Guy Gilboa Dalal, who was kidnapped with Eviatar David, also spoke of seeing the demonstrations during his captivity, before he was taken into the tunnels. 

“I stand here today after two long, difficult years that felt like an eternity,” Gilboa Dalal told the crowds. “Two years of darkness, longing and fear – but also hope that I did not agree to give up. This hope came from you – before I went down to the tunnels, I was exposed to photographs from the square. You gave me hope and strength, the people of Israel who do not forget their brothers behind – thank you.” 

Along with encouraging the crowds to continue the protests until all the deceased hostages are returned, several of the former captives also spoke of the need for a state commission of inquiry. 

Ruby Chen, father of murdered hostage Itai Chen, said that Oct. 7 represents a turning point for the nation. 

“I believe that the October 7 War is a turning point in the history of the State of Israel,” Chen said. “This is a war that will define the leading values ​​of the people of Israel going forward. The question is whether we will succeed in adopting the values ​​of mutual guarantee and helping others like the lions and heroes who fought in the war or will we allow our elected officials to return to focusing on the three pawns of honor, power, and money at our expense?” 

He also warned the political leaders who are not in favor of a state commission, saying, “To those who do not want a state commission of inquiry, I warn you that history will judge you harshly and your name will be the mark of Cain for generations to come after the public throws you home.” 

However, returned hostage Rom Braslavski had the harshest words for the government, accusing them of neglecting him since his return. 

“The Defense Ministry, the government, the Hostage Headquarters, the police, and all the governmental bodies are overwhelmingly neglecting me, screening my calls and writing to me that it's late,” Braslavski said in a post to Facebook. 

He said that he is “suffering indescribable pain” since his return. 

“I am truly suffering, maybe it isn’t visible to the naked eye, but I am suffering indescribable pain, far beyond post-trauma,” Braslavski wrote to his personal page. “I have around 10 panic attacks per day. Panic attacks that include pounding heartbeats, sweating, stuttering, tremors and even screams and violence.” 

The former hostage said he has received more support from the public than from the government. 

“It is only thanks to you that millions have already been raised for all the hostages! Which is not the job of the people; it is the job of the state,” Braslavski wrote, claiming that since his release “Netanyahu or Ben-Gvir still haven't made contact.” 

“You are my strength, you are what gives me the energy and fuel to continue the journey back to life. I promise I won't let anything break me, nothing! I love you, People of Israel,” he concluded.