What lies ahead for Israeli hostages now that they've been released | DW News

Key Concepts Hostage Release, Hamas Captivity, Deceased Hostages, Hostage Square, Civilian Protest Movement, National Inquiry, October 7th Catastrophe, Collective Trauma, Rehabilitation Psychology, Ambiguous Loss, Traumatic Stress, Survival Guilt, Multi-holistic Rehabilitation, Four-Layer Trauma, Sequential Releases.

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Hostage Release and Initial Reunions

The primary focus of the day was the release of all remaining living hostages from Hamas's captivity, marking a significant moment after "more than two years" of their confinement. Concurrently, the process of repatriating the deceased hostages to Israel is underway. The first group of released hostages is currently en route to a hospital facility after departing from the Rim air base. All hostages are now confirmed to be in Israeli custody, with some already at the Re'im military base, located on the Israeli side of the Gaza border, where they are being reunited with their families. Initial footage of these emotional reunions has begun to emerge.

The Families' Ordeal and Advocacy

The families of the hostages have been preparing to welcome their loved ones home, a day they have "been waiting for" and "campaigning for incessantly for the last two years." The mother of Nimrod Cohen, a released hostage, expressed overwhelming excitement and happiness, though also worry for the bodies of the deceased hostages. She tragically recounted that her cousin, Carmel, was murdered in captivity just "hours away from getting released" when the ceasefire collapsed.

The protest movement advocating for the hostages' return has been largely civilian-led, exemplified by "Hostage Square," which was established by the families themselves, not the government. This highlights a perceived "division between the government, the Israeli government itself and and the families of the hostages," with many families feeling "left behind." There is a strong sentiment that if a deal had been struck earlier, some of the deceased family members might have returned alive.

The Broader Societal Impact and Calls for Accountability

The prolonged ordeal has led to calls for a national inquiry into the events of October 7th, with many Israelis demanding accountability, particularly from the Prime Minister. They seek to understand what went wrong and for the head of state to take responsibility for the "catastrophe" and the "trauma" it inflicted upon the country. Israel, being a small country, means that "almost every person knows someone who was affected by October 7th," leading to a deep-seated collective trauma that will require a long time for society to heal.

Psychological Insights into Freedom and Rehabilitation (Dr. Aad Yahin)

Dr. Aad Yahin, Israel's leading rehabilitation psychologist for freed hostages, provided profound insights into the psychological aspects of this moment.

Significance of the Moment

Dr. Yahin described the release as a "joyful moment and a very historical one after two years since the massacre of October 7." She emphasized that this moment belongs to:

• The Hostages: Who "survived inhuman conditions for two years in captivity."
• The Families: Who endured "extreme uncertainty," "ambiguous loss," and "traumatic stress," exposed to "psychological terror videos," oscillating between "hope, fear and despair."
• The General Public: Who demonstrated "solidarity and hope" through daily and weekend rallies at Hostage Square.
• The Families of the 43 Deceased Hostages: Who, even in this joyful moment, are experiencing pain and are "anticipating to have the very last one brought back to burial" for "closure, clarity, and the conclusion of this very unprecedented ordeal."

The First Hours of Freedom

The initial reunion between hostages and their families is a "private moment" for which "there is no real script or manual." Families' lives had been on "stand still" for two years, with a "tunnel vision effect" focused solely on advocacy. The reunion is as "unbelievable" as the kidnapping itself. Dr. Yahin noted that the "natural attachment of human being is stronger apparently for the trauma for the time being."

Hostages will need to regain autonomy, a sense of safety, and "gradual exposure to everything that has changed." Having become "public figures," they will need to "gradually learn how to reintegrate in life." A crucial hope is that those released will no longer feel compelled to advocate for others left behind (biological or "psychological brothers and sisters" from shared trauma), allowing them to "immerse themselves in the rehabilitation process" rather than experiencing "survival guilt."

The first moments of reunification are "overwhelming" after two years of disconnection, with many hostages having lost hope. They are likely "overwhelmed, happy, but also confused and disoriented." Families are advised to "moderate and mediate" these initial hours by offering hugs with permission, providing autonomy (e.g., choice of food), and gently explaining what has happened and what to expect regarding hospital protocols and IDF questioning.

The Nature of Full Healing and Long-Term Rehabilitation

Dr. Yahin clarified that "complete healing" or "full healing" does not imply a linear stage where trauma disappears. The experience is a "life-changing event" that will "accompany them for the rest of their life," leaving physical marks and increasing proneness to chronic diseases and psychopathology.

Full recovery, in this context, means providing "multi-holistic rehabilitation long term," encompassing physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and familial aspects. Research indicates this is a "four-layer trauma," affecting hostages, families, communities, and society as a whole. Therefore, Israel as a nation requires a "long-term rehabilitation program" that includes:

• For Hostages and Families: Social recognition, governmental ownership of what happened, and new definitions for victim benefits.
• For the Public: Education and recognition of the "emotional violent turbulences" society underwent.

National Healing and Key Principles for the Future

Dr. Yahin referenced "President Trump's" (likely an attribution error in the transcript for an Israeli leader) speeches, highlighting three key points for national healing:

1. Simultaneous Release: The essential need to release all hostages at once, as "sequential releases" had a "problematic and adverse impact" on both released hostages and society.
2. Repatriation of Deceased: The importance and necessity of bringing back deceased hostages for families to achieve closure and "give life to the families of those who were murdered."
3. Public Solidarity: The vital role of the public, with "100,000 of people coming to the hostages square" every Saturday, fighting for "solidarity," "values and ethics," "humanity over hatred," and "preserving life."

The nation faces a "long journey of healing."

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Conclusion

The release of the living hostages marks a deeply emotional and historic moment for Israel, bringing immense joy to families while simultaneously highlighting the profound, multi-layered trauma inflicted by the October 7th events and the subsequent captivity. The civilian-led advocacy, the calls for governmental accountability, and the complex, long-term rehabilitation needs of both the hostages and the entire nation underscore the enduring impact of this ordeal. The emphasis on comprehensive, multi-holistic support and the importance of national unity and shared values will be crucial for Israel's path to healing.