Israel – Times of Israel, April 04, 2025
Released hostage Tal Shoham visits the United Nations offices in Vienna with the families of hostages Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David, with whom he was held during his captivity and who have yet to be freed.
In an appeal to the dozens of diplomats, Shoham urges them to use their positions to advocate for the release of his friends and all remaining 59 hostages.
“Forty days ago, I was born for the second time,” he says. “Forged from Hamas’s terrible cruelty. Emerging from hell into the sanity of a civil nation.”
He says that during his 505 days in captivity, he “had to turn inward, finding strength from within” in order to survive.
“I learned a great deal about myself, who I am, and what I want to dedicate my new life to,” he says.
“Speaking here today is not something I would have imagined doing in my previous life,” Shoham acknowledges. “But the man I am today is willing to face his fears, and sees them as opportunities to bring about much-needed change. I’m here because I believe each and every one of you sitting here today has power. Power that can be used to accelerate the return of my brothers still held hostage in Gaza.
