Freed hostage Romi Gonen's mother reveals: Her right hand doesn't work anymore

BREAKING: Released Israeli Hostage's Mother Reveals Daughter's Severe Injuries After 470 Days in Gaza

Romi Gonen, who was kidnapped during the Hamas attack on the Supernova music festival on October 7, 2023, faces a complex rehabilitation process following her January 19 release, her mother revealed in a detailed Ynet interview today. The 23-year-old was shot in her arm during her attempted escape from the festival near Kibbutz Re'im, while on a phone call with her mother, Meirav Leshem Gonen.

"She will now need a very complex and complicated surgery," Merav explained, describing how her daughter's right hand remains paralyzed. "No one knows how much function the hand will recover." The injury, sustained during her capture, went untreated throughout her entire 470-day captivity.

Released alongside Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher in the first phase of the recent hostage deal, Romi's mother disclosed disturbing details about the conditions in captivity. The terrorists employed deliberate starvation tactics and denied basic medical care, including pain medication for her gunshot wound. "The terrorists hid food from them... Romi had no exposure to sunlight at all, whether in tunnels or houses," Merav shared, noting that her daughter lost approximately 10 kilograms (22 pounds) during her captivity.

Throughout Romi's time in Gaza, her family, particularly her mother Meirav and sister Yarden, worked tirelessly to advocate for her release, speaking at international forums including the UN Human Rights Council. The public showed support through various initiatives, including wearing animal prints in solidarity – a nod to Romi's favorite fashion choice.

Despite the trauma and lack of medical care, Romi has demonstrated remarkable resilience. She's adapted to writing with her left hand and, according to her mother, shows extraordinary emotional maturity. "She returned very determined to be strong and also to turn her life into one that she will experience with joy," Merav observed, noting a significant change in how her daughter handles frustration. "We used to joke that when Romi was frustrated or angry - you needed to keep your distance. She's not there today. I see that even in moments of frustration, she chooses differently, which is amazing."