This American Life – Episode 842: "51 Days"

Release Date: October 6, 2024
Host: This American Life (Ira Glass)
Producer: Lee Naim in collaboration with Chicago Public Radio's Echad B'yom podcast

Introduction

In Episode 842 of This American Life, titled "51 Days," host Lee Naim delves into the harrowing experiences of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the recent conflict that ignited on October 7, 2023. As the episode marks a year since the hostages were captured, it offers a profound exploration of their personal stories, shedding light on the complexities and emotional toll of captivity amidst an environment of intense political and military strife.

The Abduction

The episode opens with the heart-wrenching abduction of Chen Almog Goldstein and her three children from their home in the kibbutz of Kfar Aza, situated near the Gaza border. On the morning of October 7, sirens alerted residents to the imminent threat, prompting Chen and her family to retreat to their safe room. Contrary to expectations, the Israeli military did not arrive to escort them to safety for over eight agonizing hours—a delay that remains under investigation.

Chen Almog Goldstein recounts:

"I remember realizing this is very crucial what I decide right now. I was afraid they had us." (09:18)

The intruders swiftly entered their home, resulting in the tragic loss of Chen's husband, Nadav, and her eldest daughter, Yam, both brutally murdered in front of them. The remaining children—Agam (17), Gan (11), and Tal (9)—were forcibly taken from their sanctuary, thrust into an unimaginable nightmare.

Daily Life in Captivity

Once transported to Gaza, Chen and her children were kept in dire conditions. Initially held in a tunnel dug beneath a private home, they endured extreme heat, inadequate ventilation, and constant threats of violence. The hostages were isolated, grappling with the loss of their loved ones while trying to maintain a semblance of hope.

Chen describes the environment:

"There was sand everywhere...and it's pretty hot there. 27 degrees [Celsius]." (13:07)

For two nights, the family, along with three other hostages, remained confined in this oppressive space. Simple acts like sleeping became torturous, especially for Tal, whose fear manifested in tears as he stared into the ominous entrance of another tunnel.

As days turned into weeks, the hostages were moved repeatedly, leading to prolonged uncertainty about their fate. Chen reflects on the psychological toll:

"I was in shock...I needed to like understand and figure out that it was really important for me to tell the kids first that Yam is not with us anymore." (10:33)

Relations with Captors

A significant portion of the episode explores the nuanced interactions between the hostages and their captors. Contrary to simplistic portrayals, the hostages encountered Hamas operatives with varying degrees of empathy and humanity. These captors were not faceless villains but individuals grappling with their own motivations and fears.

Chen shares a pivotal moment:

"We realized our lives are in their hands, we realized they were just a cog in the system, that they're not the people making the decisions." (22:53)

This realization fostered a complex relationship where moments of shared humanity emerged amidst the tension. The guards, some of whom expressed personal grievances against the Israeli government, occasionally exhibited kindness, such as allowing the hostages brief access to radio broadcasts or sharing personal stories. However, these interactions were often overshadowed by the overarching threat of violence and the captors' commitment to their ideological goals.

A poignant exchange:

"They told us, we like you. You're a good family. Don't go back to Kfar Aza." (25:12)

This duality underscored the internal conflicts within Hamas—operatives torn between their roles as captors and their personal lives and beliefs.

News from Home

Isolation from the outside world compounded the psychological strain on the hostages. Limited access to news meant that the captives were often unaware of broader developments, including the fate of their fellow hostages or the progression of military actions outside their confinement.

Chen recounts a crucial revelation:

"A newscast where they didn't talk about the hostages really broke our hearts." (28:47)

It wasn't until they managed to access a radio that the reality of their situation fully dawned on them. Hearing the news of their loved ones' deaths and the scope of the initial Hamas attacks catalyzed a deeper emotional unraveling.

Other Hostages' Stories

Beyond Chen and her family, "51 Days" features narratives from other hostages, each with unique experiences reflecting the diverse tactics and environments employed by Hamas.

Margalit Moses, a 78-year-old captive, offers insight into life within the tunnels:

"He was [Yahya Sinwar] surprised I knew his name. And he said... we are only there to be bargaining chips for prisoner exchange." (38:36)

Her interactions with Sinwar, the head of Hamas, revealed the operational mindset behind the hostage situation—using captives as leverage in geopolitical negotiations.

Ada Sagui, a 75-year-old Arabic teacher, provides a detailed account of the tunnel systems:

"The tunnels were very, very organized...we had mineral water, at least for a few days." (36:34)

Her ability to understand Arabic allowed her to communicate with certain captors, bridging linguistic divides and fostering brief moments of connection.

Amira Glass, another hostage, shares the emotional complexity of her release:

"I walked in and they took me in and I screamed, where were you on the 7th of October?" (54:31)

Her encounter with Israeli military officers who rescued her revealed the lingering trauma and confusion faced by hostages upon liberation.

Release and Aftermath

After 51 days of captivity, Chen and her children were released as part of a negotiated deal involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The exchange, which saw 80 Israelis released in return for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, was a moment of profound relief mixed with lingering grief and uncertainty.

Chen reflects on her release:

"It was the saddest happiness of my life. I knew Nadav wouldn't be there to hug me." (53:41)

The chaotic and highly publicized nature of the release process left many hostages grappling with mixed emotions. The structured yet impersonal farewell heightened feelings of isolation, even as they returned to freedom.

Margalit Moses' stance post-release:

"Hello, Mr. Netanyahu, thank you for the invitation, but I will not participate in a meeting for the sake of photos and public relations... I see no reason to attend a meeting with somebody who has demonstrated through his actions that the release of the captives is not a priority." (56:52)

Her refusal underscores the deep-seated anger and disappointment felt by many hostages towards political leaders and the management of the conflict.

Insights and Reflections

"51 Days" not only recounts the traumatic experiences of its hostages but also illuminates the broader societal and political fractures exacerbated by the conflict. Lee Naim poignantly observes the paradox of war-induced division, highlighting how, unlike previous conflicts in Israel where unity prevailed, the current strife has deepened societal rifts.

Lee Naim notes:

"Supporting the hostages for so many people has come to mean that you oppose the Israeli government and the way that they're conducting the war, and you want a ceasefire and a deal with Hamas."

The episode challenges listeners to empathize with the human stories behind geopolitical struggles, emphasizing that amidst symbols and political mandates, individual lives and emotions remain profoundly impacted.

Conclusion

In "51 Days," This American Life offers a compassionate and comprehensive exploration of the Israeli hostages' experiences, weaving together personal testimonies with the broader context of an ongoing and deeply divisive conflict. By capturing the nuanced interactions, emotional battles, and resilient spirits of those taken captive, the episode serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human cost of war and the complex web of emotions that define it.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Chen Almog Goldstein (09:18):

  "They led us to Nadav's car...I am looking to the bushes still hoping that maybe someone will signal to me with their finger."

• Chen Almog Goldstein (13:07):

  "There was sand everywhere... and it's pretty hot there. 27 degrees."

• Chen Almog Goldstein (22:53):

  "We realized our lives are in their hands... they were just a cog in the system."

• Chen Almog Goldstein (28:47):

  "A newscast where they didn't talk about the hostages really broke our hearts."

• Margalit Moses (38:36):

  "He was surprised I knew his name... we are only there to be bargaining chips for prisoner exchange."

• Chen Almog Goldstein (53:41):

  "It was the saddest happiness of my life. I knew Nadav wouldn't be there to hug me."

• Margalit Moses (56:52):

  "I see no reason to attend a meeting with somebody who has demonstrated through his actions that the release of the captives is not a priority."

Production Credits

This American Life’s "51 Days" was produced by Dana Chivas, Diane Wu, Yael Evan Orr, and Lee Naim, with editing assistance from Nancy Updike. The episode features in-depth interviews from the Israeli podcast Echad B'yom and utilized Hebrew interpreters Ya’el Evin Orr, Amira Jolson, and Miriam Kaplan. Special thanks were extended to the Echad B'yom staff for their invaluable contributions.

For more stories and to explore the extensive archive of This American Life, visit thisamericanlife.org.