The Story of Yarden: The Tragedy and Survival of a Hostage in Gaza

The Tragedy and Survival of a Hostage in Gaza

It's been one horror and tragedy after another since Hamas's killing and kidnapping attack on Israelis 10 weeks ago. Even though we now know that they were waving a white flag, Israeli forces accidentally killed three hostages on Friday. As the Army's pounding of Gaza continues unabated, as much as 90% of the population has been displaced, and the death toll keeps rising. About 100 Israeli hostages have been released, mostly women and children, but as many as 130 remain in captivity, an open wound in Israel.

A Family's Nightmare Begins

Yarden Roman, a 36-year-old woman, and her husband Elot were abducted on October 7th at a kibutz near the Gaza border. Yarden takes us to the rubble that was his parents' home in the bar, showing us the entrance where the tragic events unfolded. Hamas stormed the kibutz gate, broke into their home, dragged out his mother, and shot her. His sister, Carmel, disappeared, and the Hamas fighter shoved the three of them into a car and took off.

Driving along in the car, they eventually arrived at a small Army post, where they decided to hide in the trees while a tank was passing. Yarden and Elot seized the moment and jumped off both sides of the car, with Yarden carrying their 3-year-old daughter, Geffin. As bullets whistled past them, they started to run. Yarden found a small ditch and put Geffin down, lying there with her to keep her quiet.

From 11:30 a.m. to around 8:00 p.m., Yarden and Geffin stayed in the ditch for about 9 hours. Despite hunger and thirst, Geffin never complained. Finally, Yarden was captured, while Elot and Geffin managed to escape. Yarden was taken into Gaza through thick crowds celebrating her captors' victory.

A Life in Captivity

Yarden was guarded 24/7 by male captors, who made it clear that any objection or resistance could result in death. She was given a hijab to wear, which made her feel somewhat protected in her otherwise helpless situation. However, Yarden was constantly watched and seen, with no chance of hiding or escaping.

During her captivity, Yarden lived with persistent anxiety about the fate of her husband and daughter. She endured the constant explosions of Israeli bombs, fearing that she could be killed at any moment. The situation was intense and terrifying.

The Fight for Freedom

Back in Israel, Yarden's family launched a campaign to free her and Carmel. They put up posters all over the country and travelled to Washington for assistance. The pressure paid off when Israel agreed to cease bombing and free some Palestinian prisoners. As a result, Hamas began releasing hostages.

However, the release process was agonising. Yarden and Carmel were not on the initial lists, causing immense anxiety for their families. Finally, after 54 days, Yarden's captors told her she was being released. Despite the relief, Yarden struggled to feel happiness after enduring such a traumatic experience.

Reunion and Moving Forward

When Yarden crossed out of Gaza, she was handed over to the Red Cross and transported back to Israel. The reunion with her daughter, Geffin, was emotional and heartwarming. The family gathered around a television to witness the moment.

Yarden's journey has left a lasting impact on her. She feels torn between finding more information about her sister-in-law, Carmel, who is still in captivity, and mourning the loss of her mother. She continues to fight for the release of all the remaining hostages.

The story of Yarden is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. It is a reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of prioritising the safety and well-being of innocent civilians. Yarden's ordeal serves as a call to action to prevent such tragedies from happening again.