From trauma to testimony: 2010 terror attack survivor Tal Hartuv on the pain and hope behind Israeli hostage release

In a moving new interview with Christian journalist Paul Calvert, Tal Hartuv, terrorist attack survivor and author of "The Rage Less Traveled," shared her reflections on Israel’s celebration of the return of hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza and the painful price the nation has paid. The conversation captures the same emotional depth found in her book, exploring the tension between relief and outrage, faith and justice, that defines both her story and the nation’s struggle.

In December 2010, while hiking in the forested hills outside Jerusalem with her friend Kristine Luken, Hartuv (formerly Kay Wilson) was brutally attacked by Palestinian terrorists armed with machetes. Luken was murdered, and Hartuv – stabbed 18 times and left for dead – miraculously survived. Wilson later changed her name to Tal Hartuv, partly as a step toward emotional healing and reclaiming her life after trauma.

The deep scar across her chest is one of many lasting reminders of that day, both physical and emotional. Over the years, Hartuv has spoken about her ongoing pain, her struggle to reconcile hope with grief, and the moral weight of watching convicted terrorists released in prisoner-for-hostage deals.

During the interview, Hartuv described the joy the whole country felt watching the freed hostages emerge from Hamas captivity last month after two years – moments filled with relief, but also with grief and anger. As for her own feelings, she told Calvert, "I was so emotional. I was in tears, you know, to see the joy and the relief, but also the pain these people have been through – the torture and the starvation and the beatings and keeping people in cages underground."

For Hartuv, this time in Israel's history is deeply personal. The same deal that has brought hostages home also means the terrorist who brutally tried to murder her with a machete – and who succeeded in murdering Luken in front of her eyes – was released after serving only 15 of the 55 years he was sentenced.

She called it “emotional schizophrenia,” a mix of rage and gratitude. "Obviously, I'm furious at the injustice of it all, and the fact that a murder of an American Christian, because they thought she was Jewish…so there is this injustice… Justice is very important to somebody who's being victimized. And then there's this absolute relief."

Hartuv warned that many released prisoners continue to openly glorify violence and have vowed to murder again. She believes that Israel, Europe and “Christian civilization” are now all less safe as a result.

She spoke about what she sees as a moral crisis in the West – especially in her birthplace, the United Kingdom – where, she believes, Jewish communities are becoming more vulnerable because political leaders hesitate to call out Islamic terrorism or confront incitement.

At the same time, Hartuv has no problem recognizing and acknowledging the value of life.

When Calvert asked her if freeing these criminals and terrorists – even the one who attacked her – to rescue hostages was worth it, she didn't hesitate.

"I'd say, let him out. I’d drive to the prison, and I’d take him home myself. I'd give him a sandwich on the way. Just get our people home. But that's not the reality because they will murder again."

Hartuv's prayer now is for those who were rescued and brought back home after two years.

"They've been through an absolute indescribable hell on earth… My prayer for them is that as the years go by, they'd also come to a place where they'd also be able to say, ‘Look, this is what happened to us, but this isn't who we are,’" she said.

Click below to listen to Hartuv's full interview with Paul Calvert.