Freed Hostages Find New Purpose, Embodying Post-Traumatic Growth

Some former hostages freed from Hamas captivity are actively transforming their experiences of unimaginable trauma into a renewed sense of purpose, a phenomenon psychologists refer to as "post-traumatic growth."

Keith Siegel, who endured 484 days in captivity, has become a vocal advocate for the remaining hostages. Following his release in February 2025, Siegel has engaged with President Trump and other senior administration officials, sharing his story globally. "Something horrible happened to me, and because of that, people will listen to me," Siegel, 66, told The Post. "So I have a voice."

Three years after Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, many who have returned home are using their platforms to advocate for others. They have emerged as artists, authors, advocates, and humanitarians, some leveraging their experiences in business and technology.

Eli Sharabi, who was held captive for 491 days and lost his wife and two daughters in the attack, channeled his ordeal into writing a book titled "Hostage." The book became the fastest-selling in Israeli history and a New York Times bestseller.

Noa Argamani, whose image being abducted into Gaza became a defining symbol of the Oct. 7 attack, has embarked on a new career in venture capital. After being rescued following 246 days in captivity, Argamani, 28, joined Vine Ventures. As a former artificial-intelligence student, she aims to leverage the international network she built to help Israeli startups enter the U.S. market. "But I choose every day to have another part of my life, to look forward, to go to work, and not let the grief become my identity," Argamani told Business Insider.

While many survivors are finding ways to move forward, the profound impact of the attacks is also evident. Shirel Golan, 22, who survived the Nova Festival massacre, died by suicide approximately one year after the attack, with her family attributing her death to the trauma she experienced. A 2024 report by the Knesset indicated that over half of the 3,000 survivors of the Oct. 7 attacks had been referred for mental health counseling.

Despite these challenges, many survivors are determined not to let the violence of Oct. 7 define their lives. The Siegels, Keith and his wife Aviva, who was released after 51 days, have directed their advocacy efforts internationally. In January, they traveled with the humanitarian organization IsraAID to Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp, home to over 300,000 refugees. Keith Siegel noted the parallels between their experiences in Gaza and the refugees' struggles with hunger, thirst, poor hygiene, and the constant threat of death.

Following their trip to Kenya, the Siegels toured the U.S. to raise support for IsraAID's work. "I just found that by doing that, and by learning to do things that I never thought I could do, and getting more self-confidence in doing that … I kind of felt like I’m growing as a person," Keith said. The couple also supports 255, an NGO assisting released hostages and their families.

Aviva Siegel, 64, has documented her experience in her book, "The Main Thing is to Wake Up to a New Morning," which details her captivity, her anxious wait for Keith's release, and the advocacy campaign that consumed her until his return. "We were there. We went through what we went through, and we have to spread the truth," she told The Post.

Andrey Kozlov, who was rescued in June 2024 alongside Argamani and two other hostages, has turned to painting to process his captivity. Kozlov, 31, is working to complete a collection of paintings documenting his experience, which he hopes to exhibit in New York. "We lost something and we can’t take it back, but we can make lemons into lemonade," he said. "It’s part of the healing."

Kozlov feels a responsibility to create this work while the events are still fresh in public memory. "What is more important is what you do after," he stated. "My task is just to express it, to paint and to make as much good as I can … to bring some light to the world."