Freed hostage Or Levy released from hospital – what lies ahead?

Or Levy, who endured 491 days in Hamas captivity, was discharged from Sheba-Tel Hashomer Hospital today (Tuesday) after completing medical examinations, his family announced. The release marks another step in a journey that began tragically at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, where his wife Einav was killed and he was taken captive.

"This is a significant moment for him and for us, but the healing and rehabilitation process is still ahead," the family said in a statement. They expressed gratitude for the public's support while emphasizing that "the return home is not complete as long as there are hostages still in captivity."

In a poignant development following his release, Levy visited the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, despite objections from his family and medical team. "During my time in Gaza, I didn't know if my wife was alive or not," he wrote on Instagram, referring to the devastating news he received upon return. "I promised her every day I was there that I would continue and be strong for her and for the greatest gift she gave me in life" – a reference to their two-year-old son, Almog, who was staying with grandparents when his parents attended the festival.

The morning of October 7 had started like any other festival day for the couple, who arrived at Nova just minutes before Hamas launched its attack on Israel. While seeking shelter, Levy was captured and taken to Gaza, while his wife Einav was killed in the assault.

The family has announced that Levy intends to join the struggle for the return of remaining hostages when he is able, but for now requests privacy as they focus on recovery. They extended special thanks to the medical team at Sheba for their "professional, sensitive, and dedicated care throughout the journey."

Footage released by the IDF showed emotional moments as Levy, along with fellow released hostages Ohad Ben-Ami and Eliyahu (Eli) Sharabi, were reunited with their families during the helicopter journey to the hospital upon their initial return to Israel.