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Surviving the Unimaginable: Gadi Moses' 482 Days in Captivity

UNTOLD: Gadi Mozes reveals details on his captivity; Isolation, hunger, and fear

The harrowing story of Gadi Moses' captivity by Hamas reveals the unimaginable cruelty endured by hostages in Gaza. For 482 days, Moses was confined to a cramped, six-foot room with minimal sustenance, isolated from the world and left to survive in the most brutal conditions. Here is his story. 

Gadi Mozes on his way to hospital following his release
photo: IDF Spokesperson Unit

According to Moses' niece, his daily life consisted of walking 11 kilometers within the small cell, forced to solve complex math and geometry problems in his mind to stave off mental fog. He was given just a piece of bread and one olive twice a day, and only a small bowl of water every five days. The darkness of his isolation was compounded by a lack of basic hygiene; he could only bathe using a small cup of lukewarm water every five days.

"I have no idea how he survived," Moses' niece told the BBC, describing the severe weight loss he endured during his captivity. "He lost so much weight." Despite the harsh conditions, Moses found strength in his will to survive. "Even in the darkest times, he knew how to lift himself up," his niece said. "The hope of reuniting with the family and taking care of us was the greatest strength, the only nourishment he had for his soul."

Moses faced moments of intense fear throughout his ordeal. At one point, he feared for his life when a guard unexpectedly armed himself during a shift change. On another occasion, he spent 12 agonizing hours in a van beneath the Red Cross offices, hoping for his release, only to be transferred to another apartment where he remained captive.

Adding to his suffering, Moses learned during his captivity that his partner, Efrat Katz, had passed away, though he did not know the fate of his daughter, Moran. The uncertainty about his family's safety haunted him throughout his ordeal.

In his darkest moments, however, Moses found solace in the rallies and efforts to bring the hostages home. "I watched TV a few times, and you don’t know how much it strengthened me to hear and see the rallies on Saturday nights and to understand that the people are fighting for us and our return home."

Moses' niece reflected on the emotional impact of his release, emphasizing that while the joy of his return was immense, the family still harbors mixed feelings. "We must eradicate terrorism. Israel needs to secure its borders and work towards a better neighborhood and region," she said. "We will always strive to be better, to be like Gadi, to be those who connect even in the worst times and extend a hand for a chance at a better life with everyone around us."

Gadi Moses’ story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. His survival is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope, dignity, and the strength that can be drawn from the will to reunite with loved ones.

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