Former Hostages Face Online Abuse Amid Growing Politicization of Their Return

Former Israeli hostages who were kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and later released have become targets of a disturbing wave of online abuse, according to a report aired Sunday by Israeli broadcaster N12.

The report highlights a troubling trend in which survivors, instead of being universally embraced, are facing hate, incitement, and politicized scrutiny across social media platforms.

Among those affected is Ilana Gritzewsky, 31, originally from Mexico, who was held captive in Gaza for more than a month. Released on November 30, 2023, Gritzewsky described receiving a mixed public response.

“I feel recognized and supported by the people,” she told N12. “Sometimes when I stop at a red light, the person next to me honks and cheers. But I also get unpleasant comments, mainly on Instagram. Every day, I receive negative messages. I don’t respond – I just delete them.”

Gritzewsky has since become an outspoken advocate for the release of her boyfriend, Matan Zangauker, who remains in Hamas captivity. However, she noted that the discourse around hostages has been increasingly politicized. “We didn’t come to make political statements,” she said. “We just want our loved ones home.”

Achia Schatz, CEO of FakeReporter, a watchdog organization that tracks disinformation, warned of a systematic campaign targeting hostages and their families who speak out or express political views.

“It is systematic and recurring,” Schatz said, citing the case of Liri Albag, who criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a radio interview. Albag was quickly inundated with hateful comments and only received a phone call from Netanyahu after retracting her remarks.

Other released hostages have experienced similar treatment. Edan Alexander, who was freed after spending 584 days in captivity, was attacked online for not publicly thanking Netanyahu.

Prominent right-wing figures such as Avi Ratzon and Yinon Magal accused him of ingratitude. Although Magal later apologized, the sentiment remained widespread.

Hostage Omer Shem Tov, who criticized Netanyahu for omitting hostages in a national speech, was called “ungrateful, stupid, and pathetic” by online users.

Meanwhile, Liat Atzili, who lost her husband in the October 7 attack and was held for 54 days, faced cruel comments after attending a memorial. One user posted, “If her husband was murdered, it must not have been such a big deal.”

Mental health professionals warn that such abuse can deepen existing trauma. “The trauma of captivity is profound,” said Dr. Einat Yahana, a psychologist working with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. “Toxic reactions can intensify trauma. Social recognition is key to recovery.”

While some of the online attacks appear spontaneous, analysts say they often stem from coordinated or inauthentic behavior. Prof. Irad Ben-Gal of Tel Aviv University estimates that 30% to 40% of online conversations about the hostages involve fake or inauthentic accounts.

Efforts are underway to counteract the abuse. “We are in direct contact with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram,” said Hadar Lahav, director of online protection for the Israel Internet Association. “We report these issues through official channels to get faster responses.”

As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of October 7, the treatment of former hostages reflects a broader struggle over narrative, grief, and political identity in Israel.