Eitan Gonen’s journey through the anguish of his daughter’s captivity lasted over 470 days. During this period, he shared heartfelt pleas, hoping his daughter, Romi, would hear his words while being held by Hamas. His message was always the same: “Romi is coming home alive.”
Finally, after 15 long months, Eitan was able to speak directly to Romi after she was released along with two other women on January 19. In their first conversation, she reassured him, “Dad, I came home alive.”
Eitan believes his public appeals for his daughter gave her the strength and hope needed to endure her ordeal. Romi, now 24, was one of the first hostages released from Gaza, part of a complicated deal that involved the exchange of hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. This ceasefire followed Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7, 2023, during which approximately 250 people were taken hostage. Sadly, around 90 individuals are believed to still be in captivity, with a troubling number thought to have already lost their lives.
During the initial phase of the ceasefire, Hamas agreed to release 33 hostages in exchange for Israel freeing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. More releases are expected soon, which offers a glimmer of hope amidst a painful situation.
Israel is preparing to assist the returning hostages, who may face serious health challenges after their time in captivity. Dr. Ami Benov, who is providing care, reported that many of the women are in poor health, suffering from mild starvation and vitamin deficiencies.
In a facility in central Israel where Romi and other released hostages are staying, Eitan shared that the family is focused on giving Romi the time and space she needs to recover from her traumatic experience. He stated, “The rehabilitation status just started,” and emphasized that the family is letting her take her journey at her own pace.
Romi was taken captive at a music festival, where her sister and mother tried to communicate with her as militants wreaked havoc nearby. For nearly two months, her family was in despair, unsure if she was alive or dead, until they finally learned she was safe during a previous hostage release.
Eitan praised Romi’s resilience, mentioning how she adapted by learning Arabic to communicate with her captors. He noted, “Human beings will do anything to survive,” highlighting the sheer will to live that his daughter displayed.
Support from fellow hostages also contributed to her survival. Romi was held with Emily Damari, a British-Israeli hostage, and Eitan remarked on the bond they shared as they navigated their harrowing circumstances together.
Even with his daughter back, Eitan continues to urge the Israeli government to do everything possible to secure the release of remaining hostages. He encourages families of the captives to share their stories widely, keeping the plight of those still in captivity visible and pressing for action.
For now, though, Eitan cherishes the simple moments with Romi – the hugs, the quiet time together – appreciating every second he has missed. “I just enjoy being with her even in silence, touching, hugging, watching her,” he said. “I missed it so much.”
