Key Facts
- ✓ Former Hamas captive Segev Kalfon described dire conditions and torture in Gaza.
- ✓ Kalfon credited his Jewish faith for helping him survive.
- ✓ Hearing his mother's voice on the radio provided a significant psychological boost.
- ✓ Kalfon stated that he does not feel like a hero.
Quick Summary
Former Hamas captive Segev Kalfon has provided a harrowing account of his time in Gaza, detailing the dire conditions and torture he experienced. In his statements, Kalfon highlighted the psychological and physical challenges that defined his captivity.
Despite the severity of his ordeal, Kalfon credits specific factors for his survival. He cites his deep-rooted Jewish faith as a primary source of strength, alongside a pivotal moment when he heard his mother's voice on the radio. This connection provided a crucial emotional lifeline. Kalfon explicitly rejects the label of 'hero,' framing his experience instead as a difficult journey toward recovery.
The Ordeal in Gaza
Segev Kalfon described the environment of his captivity as exceptionally harsh. The conditions in Gaza were characterized by deprivation and uncertainty, creating a constant state of distress for those held.
Beyond the basic lack of necessities, Kalfon reported experiencing direct torture. This abuse was a central part of the captivity, intended to break the spirit of the hostages. The combination of physical suffering and the psychological weight of the situation created a complex trauma that survivors must now address.
Sources of Survival
In the midst of despair, Kalfon found resilience through two distinct avenues. The first was his religious devotion; his Jewish faith served as an internal anchor, providing a sense of identity and hope that transcended his physical confinement.
The second source of strength was auditory. Kalfon recounted the moment he heard his mother's voice on the radio. This specific connection to the outside world and his family offered a profound psychological boost, reinforcing his will to endure until he could be reunited with his loved ones.
A Long Path to Recovery
Following his release, Segev Kalfon has made it clear that his struggles are far from over. He rejects the notion that he is a 'hero,' preferring to identify as a survivor facing a long road to normalcy.
The process of recovery involves confronting the trauma of torture and the isolation of captivity. Kalfon's narrative emphasizes that the return to civilian life is not an endpoint but the beginning of a challenging journey to heal from the physical and emotional scars left behind by his time in Gaza.
