Families of Released Hostages Reveal First Details: ‘It’s a Miracle’ They Came Back Alive

Avinatan Or tried to escape, Eitan Mor spoke with a Hamas leader, and Yosef Haim Ohana heard his father’s voice on the radio from the tunnels.

(L-R) Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or, Elkana Bohbot with his son, and Yosef Haim Ohana. Israel Government Press Office, IDF

In recent days, families of Israelis freed from Hamas captivity have begun sharing the first accounts of their loved ones’ physical and mental conditions—and of what they endured over the past two years in Gaza.

On Wednesday, a moving video surfaced showing Avinatan Or, 32, from Tel Aviv—kidnapped from the Nova music festival together with his partner Noa Argamani—greeting his friends after his release. Smiling faintly, he jokes at the start of the clip: “Is this recording? I don’t even know what this technology is. I’ve been disconnected for two years. What’s up, my dear friends? I’m so happy to see you.”