'We have to tell the story.' Israeli hostage sibling duo released from Hamas captivity shares survival story in Westport
Both were shot and then kidnapped during the Nova Music festival massacre in Israel.
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Brother and sister Itay and Maya Regev spent weeks in Hamas captivity after being kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023.
More than two years later, the pair came to Chabad Westport to share their experiences.
“It's tremendously courageous of them to come out and talk about it," say Rabbi Yehuda Kantor, of Chabad Lubavitch of Westport. "We have to tell the story."
They say the nightmare began right after the siblings had returned home from a dream vacation.
Both were shot and then kidnapped during the Nova Music festival massacre in Israel.
For weeks, family members anxiously awaited the day they could all be reunited.
Maya was released in November 2023; Itay was released shortly after.
The sibling duo's powerful story of survival reminds the Westport community of the resiliency of the human spirit when thrust into unthinkable hardships.
“This world is a world that we have to conquer with love," Rabbi Kantor says. "We have to ensure that the light and the goodness prevails."
Maya and Itay will continue advocating for fellow hostages, and those facing hardships around the world, in similar upcoming talks around the United States.
