Mia Schem Relives Gaza Trauma at Hostages Rally, “I Was Thrown Back Into Captivity”

Mia Schem, a survivor of Hamas captivity, delivered a heart-wrenching speech at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, recounting a traumatic incident that plunged her back into the horrors of her 54 days in Gaza. Addressing a crowd of supporters, Schem spoke of a recent investigation related to the “celebrity trainer” case, which required her to cut a portion of her long hair.

“Recently, I went through a terrible event, for the purpose of investigating the case I was asked to cut a section of my long hair,” she said. “The task was intended for me, to help me, but my body reacted again in terror, even to a small bald patch. I couldn’t agree to let them cut a section of my hair down to the scalp. In one moment, I was thrown back to the days of captivity, to the human monsters who wanted to cut my hair. At that moment, logic disappeared, and my body reacts with distress that has no words, I simply cannot go through that nightmare again.” The request triggered visceral memories of her captors’ threats, highlighting the enduring psychological scars of her ordeal.

Shem also reflected on the release of IDF soldier Edan Alexander, saying, “I saw this week with tears the surprising and joyful release of Edan Alexander, Edan returned to his mother, but he doesn’t yet know, what I already understand, now begins chapter two. The healing will not be complete until all the hostages are returned, and it will be filled with triggers of body and soul, greetings from the hell we went through, that come without warning, again and again.” Her words underscored the ongoing trauma faced by survivors and the urgent need to free the remaining hostages.

Yifat Hayman, mother of Inbar Hayman, whose body is held by Hamas, spoke through tears: “I’m the mother of Inbar Hayman, and I want to say thank you. Thank you for coming, thank you for being here, thank you for not giving up on Inbar and the other hostages.” She recounted Inbar’s ordeal on October 7, 2023: “When the terrorists’ attack begins, Inbar flees for her life for many hours. Terrorists shoot at her and kidnap her to Gaza. For 70 days we lived in hope that Inbari survived, but on Friday, 15.12.23, after lighting candles, we received the bitter news. Inbari was murdered, and she is still held hostage in Gaza.” Yifat expressed her anguish: “We sat shiva without a funeral, but doubt still gnaws at me. It may sound strange, but I feel her beside me all the time. How can I mourn you and talk to you, when you are far away and lying in Gaza? Until when must I wait? How long will my mourning be delayed, partial, uncertain?”

Other speakers included Dalia Kushnir-Horn, sister-in-law of hostage Eitan Horn and freed hostage Yair Horn, who said, “I have a dream, to see Eitan Horn, my brother-in-law, return home together with 57 other hostages. The living for rehabilitation, the fallen for burial.” Ofri Haggai, niece of hostages Judy and Gadi Haggai, thanked the crowd: “I want to first say thank you. Thank you so much for coming to support us, but most importantly, to support them: our loved ones, who are waiting for us to save them from the hell they’ve been in for 19 months.” Moshe Or, brother of hostage Avinatan Or, demanded accountability: “Enough with documents, endless discussions, ‘consultations.’ They are not numbers, they are people. They are Israelis. They are us. And it must be said loudly and clearly: this war is not bringing back the hostages. It endangers them. It delays the moment they will return. There is no goal more important than their return.”

The rally, highlighted the families’ anguish and resolve, with Shem’s testimony exposing the lasting impact of captivity and the collective call for the hostages’ return as the “true victory.”