Unforgettable scars, but Romi is happy now

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Israeli hostage Romi Gonen, who was held captive by Hamas for 470 days before being released, has received a measure of closure after the Israeli military killed the Hamas commander she accused of abusing her during captivity.

According to Israeli authorities, Abd al-Rahim Abd al-Hay Youssef Kardi, a Hamas commander and doctor, was killed in Gaza in a recent Israeli military operation. He was accused of physically abusing and sexually assaulting Romi while she was held hostage.

Romi's close relative, renowned Israeli filmmaker Dan Wolman, told Kerala Kaumudi that she is gradually rebuilding her life.

"Romi is slowly returning to normal life. She is happy now. She had to undergo several surgeries, including on the arm that was injured in the attack. Until recently, her arm was still bandaged," Wolman said.

Romi, who is Wolman's wife's grandniece, is now living with her mother and sisters, Yarden and Daria, in Vradim, northern Israel.

Although she was released by Hamas in January last year, Wolman said she struggled with severe psychological trauma after returning home and required continuous counselling and medical care.

During her captivity in Gaza, Romi was allegedly subjected to starvation and was at times denied drinking water for days. She had almost lost hope of ever returning to her family. Her release drew international attention, and her condition after returning home was widely reported. Kerala Kaumudi had also reported her return in a severely weakened condition.

364 killed, 40 taken hostage

Romi was abducted during the Hamas attack on the Supernova Music Festival in Israel on October 7, 2023. During the attack, Hamas gunmen killed 364 people and took 40 others hostage, including Romi. Her friends who were travelling with her in the same car were also killed. Israeli security forces later tracked down and killed those responsible for attacking her group. Before the attack, Romi had served as a nurse in the Israeli Army. She now hopes to work in the field of children's education.

Recalling one of their recent conversations, Wolman said Romi's grandmother once told her it was the 1,000th day since she had been taken hostage.

"No one needs to remind me of that. I will carry those memories with me for the rest of my life," Romi replied.

Despite the trauma, Wolman said Romi is determined to move forward and rebuild her life.