Freed hostages and massacre survivors returned to the ruins of Kfar Aza and shared their many ordeals since October 7th. During the visit, Amit Soussana, released after 55 days in Hamas captivity, spoke for the first time since her release.

Survivors of Hamas captivity, October 7th survivors, and families of those still held hostage returned to the ruins of the devastated young adults’ neighborhood in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on Monday. Out of 37 residents living in the “young generation” area of the kibbutz, 12 were murdered and 7 more were abducted to Gaza during the horrific attack.

Amit Soussana, released after 55 days in Hamas captivity, spoke for the first time since her release: “Each time I visit here and realize that I’m the only one from this neighborhood that has returned so far, it just breaks my heart and in some ways makes me feel so guilty that I’m here and they’re not.”

She recounted: “They took me on foot from the kibbutz to the Gaza Strip border. The kidnapping was very violent. I kept resisting until they eventually tied me up by my legs and arms and dragged me to the floor. It took them over an hour to drag me to the border. I was beaten up really badly, my entire face and body bruised and swollen.

“I was alone for a couple of weeks with Hamas armed soldiers guarding me the entire time. There was little food. All the guards were heavily armed and abused me and the other hostages. I was also held in a Hamas tunnel, 40 meters deep, where there was no oxygen and very little food. The tomb-like tunnel was dark and damp, and it felt as if we were buried alive. We were held in such inhumane conditions. No person should ever be subjected to such brutal and ruthless treatment.”

Soussana continued: “You are not allowed to speak, not allowed to cry, and not even allowed to comfort each other when times get really bad. I was under emotional and physical terror the entire 55 days I was held in captivity. Feeling like every moment can be my last.”