Full Breakdown
Harrowing Accounts of Captivity: Avinatan Or's Escape Attempt from Hamas
11/19/2025, 5:30:42 AM
Captivity and Escape Attempt
Avinatan Or, a former hostage held by Hamas, recounted his traumatic experience during a recent speech at the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly in Washington, DC. Or was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, during the Nova Music festival alongside his girlfriend, Noa Argamani. He spent 738 days in captivity, primarily confined to Hamas' underground tunnels, where he often did not see another person for days. Or described a desperate escape attempt in which he dug through sandbags and collapsed tunnels, reaching the surface and seeing stars for the first time in years. However, his attempt was thwarted when his captors discovered his plan, leading to severe beatings and being tied to a chair for a week.
Survival Strategies
To cope with the harrowing conditions, Or developed several mental strategies. He emphasized the importance of patience, telling himself to endure "just one more day." He also sought common ground with his captors, discussing faith and shared stories from the Torah and the Quran. Or noted that anger could be destructive, and he allowed himself to feel it only briefly. His engineering background proved beneficial as he kept his mind active by counting steps, collecting data, and devising escape plans. He stated, “If I learned one thing in the tunnels, it is that everything can be taken from you... but no one can take your mind and your humanity.”
Perspectives from Fellow Hostages
Or was joined by fellow former hostages, including Noa Argamani, Evyatar David, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal, who also shared their experiences. Argamani recounted witnessing the brutal murders of two fellow captives, which added to the trauma of her captivity. She expressed gratitude towards those who facilitated her rescue, particularly U.S. officials like Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump. David and Gilboa-Dalal highlighted the support they received from Jewish communities worldwide, which provided them with hope during their darkest moments.
Official Statements and Responses
The four former hostages are expected to meet with President Donald Trump, who played a role in brokering the ceasefire that led to their release. However, some former captives have voiced concerns about the conditions of their travel and the perceived handling of their situation by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.
Criticism and Opposition
While the testimonies of the former hostages shed light on their resilience and the support they received, there are criticisms regarding the political implications of their release. Some former captives have accused the Israeli government of using their stories for political gain, raising concerns about the treatment of hostages and the conditions surrounding their release.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I dug for weeks through sandbags, through a collapsed tunnel towards the surface. I made myself work to change my own destiny.” — Avinatan Or
- “I was sure I will die there, but even then, I wrote three things next to my bed: ‘This too shall pass,’ ‘patience,’ and ‘let it be.’ These words kept me human.” — Avinatan Or
- “In captivity, I saw two of my friends, Yossi Sharabi and Itay Svirsky, brutally murdered while I survived,” — Noa Argamani
- “You prayed for me and for all the other hostages to return home safely as soon as possible.” — Guy Gilboa-Dalal
- “A journey of healing and coping together with our families and amazing people like you who support us. We will recover, rebuild, and emerge stronger than ever.” — Evyatar David
These accounts from Avinatan Or and his fellow hostages highlight the profound psychological and physical challenges faced during their captivity and the complex interplay of personal resilience and political narratives surrounding their release.
