Historic First: Medical Journal Publishes Study of Released Hostages

Following Hamas’ terrorist attack on October 7th, 250 Israelis were taken captive, of whom 115 women, men, and children remain in captivity. During November-December 2023, as part of a ceasefire agreement and after approximately 50 days in Hamas captivity, about 80 Israelis and foreign citizens were released.

Of these, a total of 26 returnees: 19 children aged two and a half to 18, six mothers, and one grandmother, were treated in the returnees’ department of Schneider Children’s Medical Center of the Clalit Group, immediately upon their return to Israel. This department treated most of the children who returned to Israel from Hamas captivity.

The study in question is the first to describe the physical and behavioral findings in children and their mothers in the immediate period following captivity. The study was conducted by a medical team from Schneider Children’s Medical Center who participated in the treatment of the returnees.

According to the researchers, significant findings observed upon the returnees’ arrival at the hospital included: substantial weight loss, psychological trauma, and complications from poor hygiene and shrapnel injuries during the attack. Blood and stool laboratory tests were positive for various contaminants, but mostly without significant clinical manifestations.

According to researcher Dr. Noa Ziv, a senior physician in the returnees’ department: “We can say that the most concerning aspects we experienced as a medical team among the returnees are psychological. We saw mainly great sadness and psychological trauma. Despite the great joy and immense relief of release, the returnees experienced significant difficulties during the attack and captivity, and many of them witnessed atrocities such as the murder and abduction of their loved ones.” (INN / VFI News)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” - Matthew 11:28-29