JLI: How I Survived 491 Days Starved as a Hostage in Gaza

On October 7th, 2023, Or Levy’s life changed forever. What began as a normal day at the Nova music festival turned into a nightmare of rockets, gunfire, grenades, and abduction. Or was taken hostage into Gaza, separated from his wife and son, and endured 491 days of captivity — hunger, darkness, fear, and the constant struggle to stay alive.

In this emotional testimony, Or recounts the horrors he lived through: the attack on the shelter, his abduction, life in Hamas captivity, the tiny rays of hope he clung to, and the strength he drew from his son to survive. He shares the spiritual journey he experienced, the friendships and losses he faced in the tunnels, and the moment of bittersweet freedom — being reunited with his child while learning his wife had been murdered.

This is not only Or’s story; it’s the story of all hostages who remain in captivity. It’s a story of resilience, faith, and the unbreakable will to live.

Watch, listen, and share to keep their stories alive and to help bring every hostage home.