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The five female Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) observers, who were kidnapped during the October 7 attack and taken to Gaza, have been discharged from the Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus in Petah Tikva on Wednesday, marking an emotional and significant moment in their recovery journey.
The women, Liri, Karina, Agam, Daniella, and Naama, spent a grueling 477 days in captivity before their release, enduring unimaginable hardship under Hamas control.
Their discharge from the hospital has been met with overwhelming support from their families, friends, and the community.
Outside the Beilinson campus, a large crowd gathered to show their solidarity, and their families expressed deep gratitude to the medical staff for their professionalism and sensitivity during their care.
“We want to express our heartfelt thanks to Beilinson Hospital and the dedicated medical team who provided outstanding care for our daughters, the five observers who returned from Hamas captivity after 477 days,” the families said in a statement.
“They were treated professionally and sensitively, with full consideration of their situation.” For the past ten days, since their release, the women have been receiving care in a private, secure facility at Schneider Children’s Medical Center for Israel, where they have been carefully monitored and supported in their rehabilitation process.
The families emphasized that they are now embarking on a challenging journey of emotional and physical recovery, with a team of medical professionals led by Dr. Lena Koren Feldman, Professor Noa Eliakim-Raz, and Ms. Avivit Zatlman providing crucial care.
“The rehabilitation journey ahead will be long, but we are confident that the warmth and professional support we have received have been a significant and crucial step in the healing process,” the families added.
They also appealed for privacy, asking for their daughters to be allowed the time and space they need to regain their strength.
In a poignant act to symbolize their release, the five women planted an olive tree at the entrance of the hospital. The tree stands as a testament to their resilience and a hopeful symbol of peace.
The Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus recognized the emotional impact of their return, saying, “Their release is a powerful moment – five brave women who survived the horrors of captivity and began a unique rehabilitation process are now returning home for the first time.”
Dr. Eliakim-Raz, head of Beilinson’s Department for Returnees, also expressed pride in the care provided to the women.
“Today, Liri, Karina, Naama, Daniela, and Agam are being discharged after their condition improved day by day. I am proud to be part of the dedicated and professional team that has guided them through the first steps of their emotional and physical recovery,” she said.
As Naama Levy made her way home to Ra’anana, the local community turned out in full support, greeting her with Israeli flags and banners. Ra’anana Mayor Chaim Broyde was among the crowd, sharing his emotional welcome for Naama.
“Our hearts are overflowing with emotion as we welcome Naama back home to Ra’anana, to her warm and loving community,” Broyde said. “We look ahead with hope, longing for the safe return of all the remaining hostages.”
The five women, now on the road to recovery, represent a symbol of strength and hope for Israel as the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the October 7 attack. Their journey home marks the beginning of a long but hopeful process of healing, both physically and emotionally.