From Captivity to Courage: Israeli Hostage Amit Soussana on Abduction and Assault, Amplifying the Fight for Women’s Rights
In the quiet sanctuary of her home in Israel, Amit Soussana found solace in the simple joys of life—dedicated to her career as a lawyer and the tender care of her three beloved cats. Little did she know that her unwavering strength and resilience would soon be tested in ways she could never have imagined.
Amit’s harrowing 55-day experience of captivity and abuse not only highlights the profound challenges faced by women in conflict zones but also stands as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of women worldwide. Amidst the global shadows of conflict that often silence the vulnerable, her story serves as a poignant reminder of women’s resilience and the urgent need to eradicate violence against them.
As we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Amit’s ordeal underscores the personal and collective battles women face in the darkest corners of our world.
A Life of Quiet Strength
Soussana, a 40-year-old Israeli lawyer, epitomized quiet strength and dedication. Residing alone in the tranquil Kibbutz Kfar Azza, her life was marked by commitment—to her career, her community, and her three beloved cats.
Amit was not one to seek the spotlight; instead, she found fulfillment in the meticulous work of intellectual property law and the simple joys of everyday life. Her existence was a harmonious blend of professional diligence and personal contentment, embodying the essence of resilience and grace.
The Unthinkable Night
Everything changed on a seemingly ordinary day amidst the frequent alerts that punctuated life in her conflict-prone region. Amit’s decision to return home from Sderot, despite battling a fever, was driven by her sense of responsibility to care for her pets. “I drove home to feed my cats,” she recalls, a simple act that would thrust her into an unimaginable nightmare. As sirens wailed—common signals of impending rocket attacks—Amit sought refuge in her fortified bedroom, hoping to withstand the chaos that frequently erupted in her region.
Within moments, her sanctuary was shattered by violence. Armed men invaded her home with ruthless efficiency, dragging her from her bedroom and subjecting her to immediate brutality. The abduction was swift and merciless, leaving Amit physically battered and emotionally shattered. Her once-safe haven was engulfed in flames, symbolizing the violent upheaval that had invaded her life.
Life in Captivity
Amit’s 55-day captivity in Gaza was a relentless ordeal marked by physical and psychological torment. Separated from her family and thrust into an environment of fear and uncertainty, she faced unimaginable challenges.
Held in various locations—from confined private homes to claustrophobic subterranean tunnels—Amit was subjected to continuous abuse, each moment a struggle to preserve her dignity and sense of self.
A Journey Through Darkness
One of the most disturbing aspects of her captivity was the persistent abuse from a guard named Muhammad. “He would enter my room, sit beside me on the bed, and touch me,” Amit recounts to The New York Times, her voice trembling as she describes the invasive behavior.
His actions were a calculated attempt to dehumanize and break her spirit. “Every day, he would ask me about my sex life and when my period was due,” she adds, highlighting the relentless psychological abuse aimed at asserting control over her body and autonomy.