Amit Soussana, an Israeli woman, shared her harrowing experience of being a hostage of Hamas terrorists at the United Nations. She described her life before the attack as simple and private, working as an attorney and living in a kibbutz. However, on October 7, 2023, her life changed dramatically when she was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza by a group of armed men and taken to Gaza.
During her 55 days in captivity, Soussana endured unimaginable horrors, including physical and sexual violence. She vividly recalled the day of her abduction, the fear and helplessness she felt as she was dragged from her home to Gaza. Despite facing severe injuries and being subjected to sexual assault, she showed remarkable resilience and fought back against her captors.
Throughout her captivity, Soussana was chained and humiliated, forced to endure inhumane conditions and torture. After her release, she highlighted the ongoing trauma and plight of those still held captive, urging the UN to take immediate action to secure their freedom. She emphasized the importance of protecting human rights, combating terrorism, and holding those responsible for such crimes accountable.
In her plea to the UN, Soussana called upon the international community to fulfill its duty in securing the release of all hostages, ensuring that no one else suffers the same fate. She stressed the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action to prevent further atrocities and violations of human rights.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, expressed his commitment to securing the release of all 101 hostages held by Hamas, thanking Soussana for her courage in sharing her story. He reiterated Israel’s determination to hold those responsible for such heinous crimes to account and ensure justice for the victims.
The UN’s acknowledgment of the atrocities committed during the Hamas attack, including rape and sexual violence, underscores the urgent need for action to address such crimes and protect the rights of innocent civilians. The ongoing captivity of women and children in Gaza highlights the ongoing trauma and suffering endured by the hostages, emphasizing the critical importance of immediate intervention and support.
As Soussana’s story reverberates around the world, it serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage of those who have survived such unimaginable horrors. Her call to action echoes the urgent need for the international community to stand together in combating terrorism, protecting human rights, and ensuring that no one else falls victim to such atrocities.
