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Local Woman Speaks Out After Hamas Captivity
Naama Levy, one of four female Israeli soldiers released from Hamas captivity last Saturday, has spoken publicly for the first time since her ordeal. In an Instagram post, Levy shared her relief at being home, safe, and surrounded by loved ones. She expressed gratitude to the Israeli soldiers and people who fought for her release.
Levy was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, along with several other individuals. She spent the first 50 days of her captivity alone before being reunited with fellow soldiers from her base. The group supported each other throughout their ordeal.
While Levy, Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Ariev have been released as part of a ceasefire agreement, another soldier, Agam Berger, is expected to be released soon along with two other hostages.
A video of Levy’s violent abduction, showing her injured and being dragged from a vehicle, circulated widely online. The image became symbolic of the plight of hostages taken during the Hamas attacks. Levy’s mother previously expressed hope that the video would not define her daughter’s view of the world.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters celebrated the women’s release, but emphasized the ongoing need to secure the freedom of the remaining hostages still held in Gaza. The Israel-Hamas war, which began with the October attacks, continues, and dozens of hostages remain captive.