The article recounts the author's harrowing experience of captivity in a Hamas tunnel, where he spent 505 days with fellow hostages under dire conditions. After being released, he reflects on the depth of trauma endured and the newfound appreciation for freedom. The lingering memory of his time underground clashes with moments of everyday joy, as he holds the knowledge of those still trapped. His observations highlight the toll of captivity and the stark contrast between life above and below ground, emphasizing the value of time and human connection.
I spent 505 days as a hostage held deep beneath the ground. We were watched constantly by a surveillance camera. A bomb was planted above us, rigged to detonate if Israeli forces came too close.
I have been back above ground for that long but even now, every breath of fresh air, every step in the sun, feels like something sacred.
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