Karina Ariev, a 20-year-old IDF soldier, endured 16 months of harrowing captivity by Hamas before her dramatic release, inspiring Israel with her resilience.
Karina Ariev, born in 2003, is an Israeli soldier who was taken hostage by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, while serving at the Nahal Oz army base near the Gaza border. Her 477-day captivity and eventual release in early 2025 captured global attention and highlighted the plight of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Ariev's traumatic experience began when Hamas militants attacked the Nahal Oz base, and she managed to call her sister Alexandra during the attack, who heard gunshots before the line went dead. A video later surfaced showing Ariev being taken away in a vehicle by her captors. For over a year, her fate remained uncertain as Hamas refused to provide information about her well-being.
In a dramatic turn of events, Ariev was among four Israeli soldiers released by Hamas in a hostage deal brokered in early 2025. Upon her release, she shared harrowing details of her captivity, including being held underground and subsisting on minimal food, leading to health issues. Despite the ordeal, Ariev displayed remarkable resilience, even requesting to resume her service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) alongside her fellow released hostages.
Ariev's story became a symbol of Israel's unwavering commitment to its citizens and the resilience of its soldiers in the face of adversity. Her courage and determination inspired many, and her return home was celebrated as a victory for the nation's resolve against terrorism and hostage-taking.
In the aftermath of her release, Ariev expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who worked tirelessly for her safe return and used her newfound platform to raise awareness about the plight of hostages and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Her powerful testimony shed light on the horrors endured by captives and the need for continued efforts to secure the release of all hostages held by terrorist organizations.
