Podcast Summary: אחד ביום – "הפסיכולוג של החטופים התאילנדים"
Host: אלעד שמחיוף
Air date: 24.2.2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, אלעד שמחיוף delves into the untold stories of the Thai workers who were held hostage during the October 7th events, focusing specifically on the unique psychological challenges they faced, and the efforts made to help them recover. The episode features an exclusive conversation with the psychologist responsible for accompanying and treating the Thai hostages upon their release, revealing the cultural gaps, emotional complexities, and behind-the-scenes dynamics of their rehabilitation process.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Background: The Forgotten Hostages (01:20–04:40)
- Context: Of the hostages taken on October 7th, a significant portion were Thai agricultural workers whose stories rarely made headlines in Israel.
- Insight: Their plight was complicated by linguistic and cultural barriers as well as by the lack of local family advocacy.
Quote:
"הרבה אנשים אפילו לא יודעים ששליש מהחטופים לא היו ישראלים. זה הפך את ההתמודדות למשהו אחר לחלוטין."
— אלעד שמחיוף (02:05)
2. Introducing the Psychologist (05:15–09:30)
- Guest: Dr. עמוס כהן, appointed to oversee the psychological care of the released Thai hostages.
- Discussion: Dr. כהן discusses his initial meeting with the hostages and the immediate challenges he faced.
- Insight: Trust had to be built from scratch, and cultural sensitivities were crucial.
Quote:
"כשנכנסתי בפעם הראשונה לחדר, ראיתי קודם כל עיניים מלאות פחד וחוסר אמון—לא רק בי, אלא בעולם כולו."
— ד"ר עמוס כהן (07:03)
3. The Cultural Divide (10:00–16:10)
- Discussion: Differences in trauma expression—Thai hostages tended to internalize emotions, often avoiding direct confrontation or emotional displays.
- Anecdote: Dr. כהן recounts a moment where a simple Israeli gesture (placing a comforting hand on the shoulder) caused visible discomfort—a reminder that recovery strategies needed adaptation.
- Insight: The need for translators not just of language, but of meaning and intent.
Quote:
"בישראל זה מובן מאליו לחבק מישהו ברגע קשה. אצלם, זה היה כאילו חציתי גבול נוסף."
— ד"ר עמוס כהן (12:47)
4. Treatment Approach and Breakthroughs (16:25–23:50)
- Methods: Use of group therapy tailored to Thai cultural practices, incorporating meditation and storytelling familiar from their upbringing.
- Progress: First small breakthrough happened when one of the workers shared his memory of a childhood festival, relating it to hope.
- Significance: This personal story allowed others to open up, initiating collective healing.
Quote:
"כשהוא דיבר על הפסטיבל מהכפר שלו, פתאום ראיתי שמתחילים להחליף מבטים—היה שם משהו שנשבר."
— ד"ר עמוס כהן (20:18)
5. The Thai Families and the Israeli System (24:00–29:20)
- Challenge: Most Thai hostages had no family in Israel, which made their integration and recovery harder.
- Support: Volunteers and diplomats from the Thai embassy played a vital role.
- Reflection: Question of whether the Israeli public and authorities gave enough attention and empathy to the foreign hostages.
Quote:
"הלוואי שנוכל להתייחס לכל חטוף, לא משנה מאיפה הוא, באותה רמת דאגה ותשומת לב."
— אלעד שמחיוף (28:45)
6. What’s Next for the Survivors? (29:30–33:50)
- Uncertainty: Many released hostages face ongoing trauma and difficult decisions about whether to return home or stay in Israel.
- Final Thought: Dr. כהן stresses the importance of continued support and cultural understanding.
Quote:
"הטיפול לא נגמר ביום שהם שוחררו. התהליך רק התחיל."
— ד"ר עמוס כהן (32:15)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- "הרבה אנשים אפילו לא יודעים ששליש מהחטופים לא היו ישראלים." — אלעד שמחיוף (02:05)
- "כשהוא דיבר על הפסטיבל מהכפר שלו, פתאום ראיתי שמתחילים להחליף מבטים—היה שם משהו שנשבר." — ד"ר עמוס כהן (20:18)
- "הטיפול לא נגמר ביום שהם שוחררו. התהליך רק התחיל." — ד"ר עמוס כהן (32:15)
Important Segment Timestamps
- 01:20 – Introduction to the Thai hostages' situation
- 07:03 – First impressions: meeting the released hostages
- 12:47 – Addressing cultural differences in trauma response
- 20:18 – Breakthrough moment in therapy
- 28:45 – Reflections on public empathy and attention
- 32:15 – Ongoing journey of healing
Tone & Language:
The episode maintains a respectful, empathetic tone, combining investigative journalism with heartfelt storytelling. Dr. כהן’s accounts are gentle and sensitive, showing a deep respect for cultural differences and the complexities of trauma.