MUST WATCH: Released hostage Ohad Ben Ami went to visit Tel Aviv school kids as soon as he left the hospital - Here's why

Ohad Ben Ami, who endured 490 days in Hamas captivity, was discharged from Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital today, marking another step in his journey to recovery. Ben Ami, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Be'eri during the October 7th attack, was released last Saturday alongside Or Levy and Eli Sharabi.

The hospital confirmed that Ben Ami has completed all initial medical examinations and will continue his rehabilitation through day treatment at Ichilov. The medical center emphasized their commitment to providing comprehensive care, stating they will "continue to support him and his family" throughout his recovery process.

The circumstances of Ben Ami's captivity came to light through recent testimonies aired on Kan 11, Israel's public broadcaster. Along with his fellow captives, Ben Ami faced systematic starvation during his imprisonment, with their only sustenance sometimes being a piece of rotten pita bread shared among multiple hostages. The survivors disclosed details of brutal interrogations that included severe physical abuse, such as choking, limb binding, and burns inflicted with heated objects.

Ben Ami's case gained particular attention after an image of him being led barefoot by Hamas militants circulated on social media, becoming one of the defining images of the October 7th attack. His wife Raz, who was kidnapped alongside him from their home in Be'eri, was released earlier during the first hostage exchange in November 2023.

Upon his discharge, Ben Ami was welcomed home to Tel Aviv by a crowd of supporters waving Israeli flags. A banner reading "Ohad, how good it is that you came home" greeted him as he arrived at the residence where his family has been staying since the October attack. From his car, he acknowledged the gathered crowd with a wave.

Ichilov Hospital has requested that the public and media respect the family's privacy during this sensitive period of recovery. The medical center remains prepared for the return of additional hostages, expressing hope to "see all hostages home soon – until the last hostage."

Ben Ami's release after nearly 500 days in captivity, while a moment of joy, also underscores the ongoing crisis of remaining hostages still held in Gaza. His visibly emaciated condition upon release sparked widespread concern about the treatment of captives and highlighted the urgent need for continued efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity.