Freed Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski says he was sexually assaulted and ‘humiliated’ in Gaza captivity
WARNING: Distressing content
Freed Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski says he was sexually assaulted and humiliated while held captive by Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, describing the experience as “another hell”.
The 21-year-old who worked as a security guard, was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and allied militants launched their deadly attack.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.He endured more than two years in captivity and was among the final group of 20 surviving hostages freed last month as part of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.
In a clip for an upcoming interview to be aired by Israel’s Channel 13 program Hazinor, Mr Braslavski has recounted being stripped naked, tied up, and subjected to ongoing sexual violence while being starved.
“They stripped me of all my clothes, my underwear, everything. They tied me up while I was completely naked. I was torn apart, dying, with no food,” he said.
“When I was completely naked, I was wiped out, dying without food. And I prayed to God, save me, get me out of this already, and you just say to yourself, like, what the hell is going on?”
“It was sexual violence and its main purpose was to humiliate me,” Mr Braslavski said.
“The goal was to crush my dignity. And that’s exactly what he did.”
Mr Braslavski said speaking about that period remains deeply painful. “I don’t like talking about it. It’s difficult. It’s something even the nazis didn’t do. During Hitler’s time, they wouldn’t have done things like this”.
“You just pray for it to stop. And while I was there, every day, every beating, I’d say to myself, ‘I survived another day in hell. Tomorrow morning, I’ll wake up to another hell. And another. And another. It doesn’t end.”
Before his release, Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives released a video of Mr Braslavski in captivity in it he appeared emaciated and spoke with a weak voice.
His father said at the time that he did not recognise his son.
Israeli authorities said Braslavski was among several male hostages confirmed to have suffered extreme mistreatment in Gaza. His testimony marks the first time a male Israeli hostage has publicly shared allegations of sexual violence while in captivity.
Other released hostages, including women such as Amit Soussana, had previously alleged sexual assaults by their Hamas guards.
A UN report published earlier this year by Special Representative Pramila Patten found “clear and convincing” evidence that hostages taken on October 7 were subjected to sexual violence while held in Gaza.
Mr Braslavski said his story, though painful to recount, needed to be told. “It’s hard. It was a horrific thing,” he said.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
