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Released hostage Meirav Tal describes her time in Hamas captivity

How many minutes are in a day? 1,440. Multiply that by 53 days. Every minute feels like an eternity.

On October 7, I was kidnapped along with my partner Yaya. [Yair Yaakov]from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Yaya's children, Yagil and Or, were also kidnapped. I was held captive by Hamas in Gaza for 53 days until I was finally released on November 28, 2023. My son was born on November 28, and I had told everyone there: “I will return [home] on my son's birthday' – and so it happened.

The night before the so-called Black Sabbath [referring to the horrific attacks on Oct. 7, 2023]We celebrated Yaya's 59th birthday with the children. The next day we were woken up by alarms.

When the terrorists broke in, Yaya braced himself against the door, but they shot through and injured him. Then they planted an explosive device on the door and blew it open. I told him, “I love you,” just before we were torn apart.

They dragged me outside with a knife at my throat and threw me on a motorcycle. They later took me to a vehicle where I met Ada Sagi, who was with me throughout the ordeal.

AFTER RELEASE: Welcoming Yagil and Or Yaakov – who were released the day before – at the Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, November 28. (Source: Prime Minister's Office/Handout via Reuters)

On the 50th day, Yagil was unexpectedly brought to us. He suddenly screamed: “Mayo, Mayo!” and I collapsed. We hugged and I gave him my sleeping place. We spent the whole night looking at each other. The next day he was released.

I kept imagining my return and how soldiers would come to rescue me – two brave combat soldiers who would pull me out and bring me back to reality. I didn't know what had happened to Yaya. I only knew that he was wounded and I was constantly afraid for him.

During my imprisonment, I thought that my recovery would begin upon my return to Israel, but it was not that easy. Recovery is hard and takes much longer than I expected. On February 15, we were informed that Yaya had been murdered and his body was still being held in Gaza. They told us he was killed on October 7. As I write this, 310 days have passed and he is still there.

Release the hostages immediately

All hostages must be released immediately. I do not understand how they can still be held captive. We were tortured during our captivity and the families here in Israel continue to suffer.

For 310 days, these families have not seen or hugged their loved ones. There are still children, women and elderly people living in Gaza who now need to be brought home. Every day in captivity is hell.

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With each passing day we learn of more hostages murdered in captivity – lives that could have been saved.

I implore the Israeli government to do the right thing – sign a deal and bring them home. They don't have time. As a country and as a society, we cannot begin the healing process while they remain in captivity.

A deal is on the table. Every day I was held captive, I prayed that someone would rescue me.

Now you have the chance to save her. What are you waiting for?



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