Israeli Hostage Speaks of Captivity

Speaking publicly for the first time since her release from 55 days in Hamas captivity, Amit Soussana spoke on Monday of her brutal abduction from the young adults’ neighbourhood in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, southern Israel. Out of 37 residents living in that neighbourhood, 12 were murdered and 7 more were taken captive to Gaza.

As the only one from the neighbourhood who has returned from captivity, she says it breaks her heart and makes her feel guilty that she is back in Israel while the other captives are not. It leaves her unable to begin any sort of healing process until the others return home safely.

Dressed in just her pyjamas and a blanket, she was dragged from her home all the way to the Gaza border.

"I was beaten up really badly, my entire face and body was bruised and swollen."

When in captivity she says all the guards were heavily armed and abused her as well as the other hostages, but she doesn’t give any detail of that abuse.

For part of the time, she was held in a tunnel 40 metres deep where there was no oxygen and very little food.

"The tomb-like tunnel was dark, damp and felt like if we were buried alive ."

". You are not allowed to speak, not allowed to cry, and not even allowed to comfort each other when times get really bad."

Listen to Amit’s full testimony here: