Karina’s story is emblematic of the countless individuals who have faced unimaginable challenges during this ongoing conflict. She, along with other female soldiers, was set to be released as part of the first phase of a hostage-ceasefire deal, bringing hope to her family and the wider Israeli community. It was revealed on Friday she was indeed one of the hostages to be released today (Saturday) along with 3 other hostages; Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levi.
Life before captivity:
Karina Ariev was born on August 4, 2004, in Jerusalem to Irena and Albert Ariev. She grew up in a close-knit family with her sister, Sasha, and two sets of loving grandparents. Known for her infectious smile and laughter, Karina was a bright, fashionable young woman with dreams of becoming a psychologist. She graduated with honors from Teddy Kollek High School in Jerusalem, where she excelled in three subjects: psychology, Arabic, and Russian. Her determination to pursue her dreams was evident from an early age.
Military Service and Abduction:
In October 2022, Karina was drafted into the IDF, where she began her service as a surveillance soldier stationed at the Nahal Oz base. A year later, on October 7, 2023, Karina’s life would be forever altered when she was taken hostage during a violent attack on the base. As the assault unfolded, Karina managed to make a heart-wrenching call to her family, telling them to move on with their lives if she did not survive.
In the final moments of her communication, Karina sent a message to her sister, asking her to take care of their parents. Later, a video emerged showing Karina being taken away by her captors, a scene that devastated her family and captured the grief of many in Israel.
The Family’s Struggle:
Since her abduction, Karina's family has faced unimaginable distress. Sasha Ariev, her older sister, is a neurobiology student at Hebrew University. She paused her studies to focus entirely on leading the efforts to bring Karina and the other hostages home. Sasha, who turned 25 during her sister’s captivity, has been vocal in her calls for the government to prioritize the release of the young female hostages, a point that has caused tensions in past hostage negotiations.
"I’m trying to be the backbone of the family, to hold everyone, to raise morale, to continue to function and not to give up," said Sasha. "We are strong, and this is the bond we have. We are dealing with this together."
Despite the constant pressure and heartbreak, the Ariev family remains committed to their cause. Sasha has become a public voice, regularly speaking to both Israeli and international media and meeting with organizations to push for the hostages' release.
The Pain of Waiting, finally over:
The emotional toll on Karina’s parents, Albert and Ira Ariev, is immense. Sasha describes their struggle as a daily battle with helplessness. "It doesn’t matter what I do each day because when I get into bed at night, I want to sleep but I can’t because my thoughts keep running," she shared. "How can I sleep when we haven’t succeeded in bringing Karina and all the other hostages home?"
In August 2024, Sasha organized a community event of prayer and solidarity in their Jerusalem neighborhood to mark Karina’s 20th birthday in captivity. The event served as both a remembrance of Karina and a plea for action, illustrating the emotional strength and resilience of the Ariev family.
A Glimmer of Hope:
In January 2024, hope was renewed when Hamas released a video showing Karina alongside other hostages, including Daniella Gilboa and Doron Streinbrecher. This footage, though filmed under uncertain circumstances, provided a brief but important sign of life, reassuring her family and the public that Karina was alive, despite the months of silence.
Conclusion:
Karina Ariev is finally home after she was set to be released as part of the first phase of a ceasefire deal, her family and many others were holding their breath, praying that her safe return will signal the beginning of a broader resolution for all hostages still in captivity and a completion of the hostage deal. Karina’s story is one of strength, love, and an unbreakable bond between family members. Her release, alongside other hostages, is a long-awaited step toward healing for the Ariev family and for the nation of Israel. The journey is far from over, but the hope that led to her return is keeping the family strong as they continue to fight for justice and peace.
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