"Former captive by Hamas lamentedly admits that the knowledge of those still imprisoned continues to trouble him at night, and he will find no peace until all are returned home."
**Or Levy's Emotional Journey: A Father's Love and the Tragedy of War**
Or Levy, a 34-year-old father, was released from Hamas captivity in February 2025, after an arduous 491 days, following the tragic death of his wife, Einav, during Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
### The Heart-Wrenching Reunion
The moment Or Levy was reunited with his son, Almog, was both nerve-wracking and emotional. He had feared that his son might not recognise him after such a long absence, but as they embraced, all those fears dissipated. The family's dynamics have been forever altered by this tragic event, leaving a void that continues to affect Or deeply.
### The Struggle to Cope
Or Levy's life has been a rollercoaster of emotions since his return home five months ago. He has been grappling with the loss of his wife while also dealing with the trauma of his captivity. During his ordeal, Or subsisted on minimal food, often just one pita a day, and was held underground, shackled, a situation he describes as unimaginable.
### A Reminder of Love and Perseverance
Despite the hardships, Or has found solace in his role as a devoted father. Almog was his reason for living during his captivity, and he has since dedicated himself to being Almog's full-time caregiver. Or has also learned a mantra from fellow hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American-Israeli, that helped him survive: 'He who has a 'why' can bear any 'how''.
### The Ongoing Struggle
Watching the stop-and-start progress of ceasefire negotiations is "very difficult" for Or. He carries the weight of his wife's death and the ongoing plight of another hostage, Alon Ohel, a 24-year-old with dreams of studying music, who remains in Gaza. Or promises himself that they won't stop speaking about Einav, assuring Almog that she didn't want to leave him and that she loved him from the bottom of her heart.
The public has shown considerable empathy towards Or and his family, offering support during this difficult time. Or's testimony serves as a poignant reminder of the personal and familial sacrifices made during conflicts and the ongoing struggles of those affected.
The World has been following Or Levy's emotional journey, especially in the Middle East where war-and-conflicts and politics have been a general-news staple. Or's struggle to cope with his loss and traumatic experiences reiterate the impact of crime-and-justice issues beyond the courtroom, affecting everyday citizens like him. Despite the turmoil, Or's love for his son and perseverance serve as a beacon of hope in the midst of conflict.
