From Captivity to Confronting Trauma: Arbel Yehoud’s story

Arbel Yehoud, a 29-year-old Israeli woman, endured a harrowing ordeal after being taken hostage by Palestinian militants on October 7, 2023.Held captive initially by Islamic Jihad in Gaza,she was eventually released on January 30,2025,following intense military pressure from Israel and diplomatic efforts spearheaded by then-US President Donald Trump,which led to a negotiated armistice involving prisoner exchanges. Now, three months after regaining her freedom, Yehoud has broken her silence, offering a chilling account of her captivity and its lasting impact.

The Constant Threat of Violence

In a recent interview with Israeli television channel Kanal 13, Yehoud recounted the ever-present threat of violence she faced during her captivity. She vividly recalled the chilling warnings from her captors: I sit next to them, they keep invited weapons and I know that they will first shoot me when the army was taken up. This constant fear, she explained, was compounded by the knowledge that any Israeli military intervention could have fatal consequences for her and the other hostages.

The Nightmare of October 7th and the Rafah Operation

Yehoud’s nightmare began in Kibbutz nir Oz, where she lived with her boyfriend, Ariel Cunio, who remains captive after 572 days. On that fateful day, a quarter of Nir Oz’s 400 residents were either murdered or taken hostage, highlighting the scale of the tragedy. The trauma was further intensified when, on February 12 of the previous year, the IDF launched an operation in the Rafah tent camp where she was held, aiming to liberate hostages Louis Har and Fernando Marman.

Yehoud described the terrifying experience: I saw flared rockets on the other side of the tarpaulin,and then the planes came. They were fighter planes that were very deep and very close. The bombing started, and then I heard the shots and the race. She recounted how one of her captors specifically targeted the tent with a loaded rifle, underscoring the precariousness of her situation.

“I Stopped Crying”: Coping with Unimaginable Fear

The psychological toll of captivity is immeasurable. Yehoud struggled to articulate the sheer terror she experienced: I don’t think there is a word that can describe the fear of the sound of the fights – the bombing, the planes, the few seconds of the sound before a rocket falls, the shootings. This fear is paralyzing, it is terrifying. You don’t know if you are still breathing in the next minute and where it is caught. This constant state of anxiety and uncertainty forced her to develop coping mechanisms, including suppressing her emotions.

She recounted a pivotal moment when she heard about the “Nir-Oz massacre” on the radio: You don’t like it when you cry. It’s not cool to cry there. At some point I just got used to it. I stopped crying. The tears just flowed, but I didn’t cry. This emotional numbing, while a survival tactic, speaks volumes about the dehumanizing conditions of her captivity.

A Question of Timing and Missed Opportunities

In a moment of raw emotion,Yehoud questioned the timing of the Israeli military response: Where was that all on october 7th? You are now fighting to attack,but you didn’t fight back then. When I arrived in gaza, there was not a single aircraft. Her words reflect a deep sense of frustration and a longing for the protection that she felt was absent during the initial attack.

Personal loss and Enduring Grief

Beyond her own trauma,Yehoud carries the weight of profound personal loss. She recalled a joyful Shabbat dinner with family and friends in Kibbutz the evening before the attack: there was a lot of joy,child noise,good food,as always,and when the food was over on Friday evening,we went to our friends. We were there for several. The next morning, 80 percent of these people were no longer there.

Among the murdered was her brother, Dolev, who was initially believed to be a hostage. His remains were later identified in Israel in June of last year. Tragically,his wife,Sigal,gave birth to their daughter just two weeks later,a bittersweet moment amidst immense grief.

The Long Road to Recovery

Arbel Yehoud’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. While her physical freedom has been restored, the psychological scars of captivity will likely endure. Her willingness to share her experiences is a powerful act of courage, shedding light on the plight of hostages and the devastating impact of conflict on individuals and communities.As she embarks on the long road to recovery, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking justice, supporting victims of trauma, and striving for a future where such atrocities are never repeated.

Enduring the Unimaginable: A Hostage’s Story of Survival

Arbel Yehoud, recently freed after an agonizing 482 days in captivity, has begun to share her experiences as a hostage of Palestinian Jihad supporters. Her story, filled with resilience and unimaginable hardship, offers a stark glimpse into the realities faced by those held captive in Gaza. Yehoud’s account highlights not only the physical challenges but also the profound emotional and psychological toll of prolonged captivity.

Finding Strength in Captivity

Despite the dire circumstances,Yehoud demonstrated remarkable fortitude. She recounted how, early in her captivity, she resolved to learn Arabic, a decision that reflects her determination to adapt and survive. “Arbel, you were kidnapped to Gaza, you are in Gaza, you don’t know how long it will take, you have to be strong and patient,” she told herself, a mantra that helped her navigate the long and uncertain ordeal.

Arbel, you were kidnapped to Gaza, you are in Gaza, you don’t know how long it will take, you have to be strong and patient.

Though, even with such resolve, the length of her captivity was something she could never have foreseen. She recalled the hope she felt during the November 2023 ceasefire, when 105 women and children were released, believing her own freedom was imminent. Sadly, that hope was dashed, and she remained a hostage for many more months.

The Harsh realities of Captivity

Yehoud’s description of her living conditions paints a grim picture. She spoke of constant exposure to “dirt, sand, and mice,” a lack of basic hygiene, and the extreme temperatures within the tent camp in Rafah where she was held. the physical discomfort was relentless, with Yehoud spending her entire captivity barefoot, improvising socks during the cold season.

Unspoken Horrors and Enduring Trauma

Beyond the physical hardships, Yehoud alluded to deeper, unspoken traumas. She stated that being a woman alone in captivity was “another story,” hinting at experiences too painful to share, even with her parents. “There are things that are revealed later or that may never be unveiled,” she explained, adding, “It is better if you don’t know.” This reticence underscores the potential for long-term psychological effects on hostages, a concern highlighted by numerous studies on trauma survivors. According to a 2024 report by the International Red Cross, individuals who experience prolonged captivity often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

There are things that are revealed later or that may never be unveiled. It is better if you don’t know.
Arbel Yehoud

Glimmers of hope and the Path to freedom

Despite the darkness, there were moments of hope.About six weeks before her release, Yehoud gained access to a television and was able to follow the release of some prisoners as part of a ceasefire agreement. This access to facts, though limited, provided a sense of connection to the outside world and a glimmer of hope for her own eventual freedom.

Exploitation and Propaganda

in the lead-up to her release, Yehoud found herself thrust into the spotlight, becoming a figure of interest in Arab media, often referred to as “the soldier Arbel Yehoud.” She was also forced to participate in propaganda videos, including one where she was shown giving sweets to children in Gaza. These actions highlight the manipulative tactics employed by hostage-takers, using their captives as pawns in a larger political game.

A Moment of Connection

One of the most poignant moments Yehoud shared was her reunion with fellow NIR-OZ colleague Gadi Mozes in another propaganda video. It was her first genuine smile in months and the first time she had spoken Hebrew to another person in almost 16 months. This brief connection with another human being who shared her language and background offered a much-needed respite from the isolation of captivity.

Yehoud, Mozes, and five Thai citizens were released together. She fondly remembered Mozes, despite his age, keeping everyone’s spirits up with jokes and dances as they waited, wrapped in blankets, for their freedom.

The Lingering Impact

Even after her release, the trauma of captivity continues to affect Yehoud. She has yet to visit her brother’s grave,explaining,”I don’t think I will be able to mourn and process the loss before Ariel and everyone else return.” This statement underscores the ongoing emotional burden she carries, prioritizing the well-being of others still held captive over her own grief.

I don’t think I will be able to mourn and process the loss before Ariel and everyone else return.
Arbel Yehoud

Arbel Yehoud’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for endurance in the face of unimaginable adversity. Her experiences serve as a reminder of the ongoing plight of hostages worldwide and the urgent need for continued efforts to secure their release. The long-term psychological support for released hostages is crucial for their reintegration into society and their journey towards healing.

Enduring the Unthinkable: A Personal Account

In the aftermath of unimaginable events, stories of survival and resilience emerge, offering glimmers of hope amidst profound loss. One such account comes from Arel Yehoud, who recently shared her harrowing experience and a heartfelt message for a fellow captive.

Yehoud recounted the agonizing ordeal of navigating through a dense and chaotic crowd. she described the experience as feeling like an eternity, emphasizing the overwhelming pressure and relentless pushing she endured.The sheer magnitude of the crowd amplified the sense of desperation and uncertainty.

A Lifeline in the Crowd: Rescue and Relief

Amidst the turmoil, a Red Cross representative intervened, pulling Yehoud from the throng and escorting her to safety in a waiting vehicle. This act of compassion provided a crucial lifeline, offering respite from the immediate danger and a pathway towards recovery.

A Message of Hope: waiting for Ariel

In an emotional interview conducted at her former residence,Yehoud expressed the importance of reaching out to Ariel,with whom she was abducted. Even with the slimmest possibility that he might see her message, she felt compelled to convey her unwavering hope and assurance that she is waiting for him.

After all,Ariel and I were kidnapped together. Even if there is even the slightest chance that he will see this, it is important to me that he knows that I was waiting for him.

Arel Yehoud

This poignant declaration underscores the enduring bonds forged in the face of adversity and the unwavering determination to reunite with loved ones. The act of holding hands, even symbolically, represents a powerful connection and a shared commitment to survival.

The Long Road to Recovery

Yehoud’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of hope in the darkest of times. As the world grapples with the aftermath of these events, her message serves as a reminder of the enduring power of connection and the unwavering pursuit of reunion.