Romi Gonen, the 24-year-old who was released by Hamas on Sunday, has left a heartfelt voice message for her loved ones, expressing deep appreciation for their unwavering support during her 470 days as a hostage.
In the message shared by Israel’s Government Press Office (GPO) on Monday, Gonen joyfully declared, “This is Romi, back from captivity,” marking her return to freedom after a long ordeal.
Gonen, along with fellow hostages Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher, was released by Hamas in the initial phase of the ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and the militant group.
Expressing her gratitude, Gonen said, “Thank you all so much. I still have no idea what you guys did for me. I saw only a small amount of it, but you are the best in the world. I appreciate you so much.”
She concluded her message by sending love and hope for a swift reunion, saying, “Sending you hugs and kisses and godwilling, I’ll see you soon, Yalla!”
Gonen was abducted at the age of 23 during the Nova music festival in October 2023, where she sustained a gunshot wound to her hand during the harrowing incident.
Currently receiving medical care at the Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv alongside Steinbrecher and Damari, the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed on Sunday that all three hostages are in good health.
The GPO also released touching videos on Monday capturing the emotional reunions of the freed hostages with their mothers at the reception point in Israel. The heartwarming scenes show the women tearfully embracing their mothers after enduring captivity for over 15 months.
In one particularly moving moment, Gonen is seen overwhelmed with emotion during a call with her father, exclaiming, “Dad! I came back alive! Dad! I came back alive!”
Meanwhile, Damari defiantly declares on a call with her family, “My brothers! I survived!”
