Former hostage Rom Braslavski makes first visit to Beitar Jerusalem since his release

Former Gaza captive Rom Braslavski made his first visit to Teddy Stadium on Sunday, the home ground of his favorite team, Beitar Jerusalem, since his release from Hamas in October. Addressing fans before the Israeli Premier League match between Beitar and Maccabi Netanya, Braslavski shared his emotional journey.

Hello everyone, this is Rom, he began. A year ago, you all saw me here with my family and the word 'kidnapped.' Today, after enduring two years of unimaginable suffering, I stand before you free.

He continued, I am here now, happy and liberated. Closing this painful chapter, I stand among you without fear, supported by the loyal Beitar fans and the vibrant city of Jerusalem. Keep being true to yourselves.

Braslavski emphasized the significance of Beitar, saying, Beitar is more than a football team; it is a symbol of the nation. He also paid tribute to those who played a role in his release, stating, Let us remember our courageous soldiers, bereaved families, and fallen IDF members. You saved my life. Am Yisrael Chai, our beloved brothers.

Speaking Out About Abuse in Captivity

Born in Pisgat Ze'ev, Braslavski was abducted from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, where he was working as a security guard. During the attack, he tried to fend off attackers with stones before being taken. He later became the first male hostage to publicly disclose experiencing sexual abuse during his captivity in Gaza.

They stripped me completely, tied me up, and left me starving and humiliated. The abuse was sexual, meant to degrade me, he revealed in an interview with N12.

His mother, Tami Braslavski, added that her son was held alone by Palestinian Islamic Jihad and only moved to the tunnels two days prior to his release. They demanded he convert to Islam, which he refused. He endured abuse, and I prefer not to go into further detail, she told Hazinor.

Author: Sophia Brooks