Mirit Regev, the mother of Mia and Iti Regev, who were recently rescued from captivity after more than 50 days, expressed how difficult the experience was for her children due to the attention and publicity surrounding their return. While she understands the desire of people in Israel to show support and affection, it was overwhelming for her children. The sudden fame and recognition left them confused and uncomfortable with the constant attention.
Regev shared that one of the abductees who returned described feeling like a ‘petted abductee’, a sentiment that her children could relate to. Mia, who was in a wheelchair, found it especially challenging as people would come up to her to hug her without considering her physical limitations. The experience of being touched by strangers triggered memories of their captivity, where their freedom was taken away and they were subjected to unwanted contact.
To cope with the intense public scrutiny, Regev and her children limited their outings in the initial period after their release. She anticipates that the four abductees rescued recently will also need time to process and come to terms with their ordeal. The initial rush of adrenaline and excitement will give way to the harsh reality of their time in captivity, and it will take time for them to heal and adjust to normal life again.
Dr. Eidit Gutman, a clinical psychologist, explains the psychological impact of being defined by a traumatic experience in one’s life. The returning abductees face challenges in reintegrating into society, as they are constantly reminded of their ordeal and struggle to reclaim their identity. The sudden shift from captivity to freedom brings about intense emotional fluctuations and difficulties in adjusting to a new reality.
She emphasizes the importance of giving the abductees time and space to process their trauma and regain a sense of normalcy. The public’s show of support and affection should be channeled towards those who need it most, such as war wounded or those who have suffered loss. It is crucial to respect the survivors’ wishes
