More than 15 months after her release from Hamas captivity in Gaza, Ilana Gritzewsky continues to feel imprisoned as her partner remains a hostage. Matan Zangauker was captured alongside Ms. Gritzewsky during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, in which around 250 individuals were taken from their Israeli home in the border village of Nir Oz. Currently, approximately 24 hostages are still held in Gaza, according to the Israeli government, along with the remains of at least 35 others from that day.
Ms. Gritzewsky, 31, has dedicated herself to advocating for the release of hostages, including her partner, now 25 years old. She recounted her own traumatic experiences of abduction, stating that her captors physically assaulted her and that she lost consciousness during the violent transport to Gaza. Upon regaining awareness, she found herself in a precarious position surrounded by armed individuals.
The situation for remaining hostages has become increasingly dire as Israel resumes military operations in Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas for their release amid stalled cease-fire negotiations. Ms. Gritzewsky has expressed concern that her obligation to aid the remaining captives has hindered her personal healing process.
“I live with the question of why me and not them. I have no answer,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to raising awareness for those still in captivity. This commitment reflects a larger debate within Israeli society about the government's priorities regarding the hostages' release compared to the pursuit of defeating Hamas.
Einav Zangauker, Mr. Zangauker’s mother, has also become an influential figure in protests conducted by families of hostages, criticizing the government's perceived inaction in negotiations. Some families have turned to the U.S. for assistance, with several former hostages meeting with Trump administration officials to advocate for their loved ones' freedom.
Ms. Gritzewsky recently spent a month in the United States engaging with Jewish communities and advocating for her cause. She immigrated to Israel from Mexico and had built a life there before the abduction, working on a medical cannabis farm where she met Mr. Zangauker.
On the day of the attack, she and Mr. Zangauker attempted to escape but were separated. Ms. Gritzewsky was captured and taken on a motorcycle, where she faced further assault. After over 50 days in captivity, she was released during a brief cease-fire, but not before suffering significant psychological and physical trauma.
A recent U.N. report indicated instances of sexual violence related to the October 7 attack, highlighting the severe conditions faced by hostages. In December 2024, a video of Mr. Zangauker was released, where he implored Israeli leaders to negotiate for his release. While experts caution that such videos may be coerced, Ms. Gritzewsky saw it as evidence of her partner’s survival, fostering a mixture of hope and heartbreak.