Joy and tears as Romi set to return home since October 7 attack

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Yadan and Daria will most probably be left in tears today— mostly tears of happiness, and relief. Relatives are exuberant, immersed in celebration over the return of their beloved Romi.

The release of Romi Gonen, held captive by Hamas, has given back new life to her sisters Yadan and Daria, parents and relatives. Even renowned Israeli filmmaker Dan Vollman's voice broke up while revealing the family's ordeal. The filmmaker was talking to Kerala Kaumudi from Tel Aviv. Romi Gonen is one of the first hostages to be released by Hamas.

Dan Vollman:

“470 days have passed since Romi was taken hostage. Those were days of tears and ordeal. We were walking through fire for the past 115 days without knowing Romi’s whereabouts. Romi is the granddaughter of Dora Lesham, my wife Shoshi’s sister. We are a close-knit family and Romi was like a butterfly, always hopping around. She served as a nurse in the army and always held close a longing to travel across the world. She is a brave girl who survived the scare. She will be resurrected again today.

Romi was attending the Supernova Music Festival with friends on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants rummaged the place and killed 364 people, and injuring many. Romi told her mother that she was in the car held captive by Hamas. And later, she told the family about getting shot. This was her last message. And it was only recently that the family found her name on the hostage list.

Romi's father, Aythan Gonen, is a product marketing manager. Her mother, May Rav, is the director of a Business Consulting Company. Her parents separated almost 10 years ago.

Romi will be admitted to the hospital for expert examination. A psychologist will also be at her service to assuage the 15 months of mental trauma. Romi's mother and grandmother have already travelled to the Gaza border to welcome her. "

Dan Vollman is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award at the India's International Film Festival. As part of work for his new film, Dan will be in India soon.