Tal Hartuv, a survivor of a brutal terrorist attack that killed her friend, expressed deep concern over the potential release of the terrorist who attacked her as part of a ceasefire hostage deal announced on Wednesday.
She told the JC that the deal "sends signals" to victims of terror attacks, conveying a sense of injustice.
“It’s been a rough ride since I was stabbed multiple times with a machete while watching my friend murdered,” Hartuv said, reflecting on the trauma she endured in the attack that nearly claimed her life.
She was brutally attacked by two men disguised as Israeli police in 2010 while on a hike in the hills of Jerusalem with her Christian-American friend, Kristine Luken.
Hartuv, who has previously shared her story worldwide, penned a book and starred in an award-winning documentary, has struggled with her identity as a “terror victim,” initially changing her name from Kay Wilson to Tal Hartuv as a step toward healing and breaking free from the public eye.
Now, as the possibility looms that the terrorist responsible for her attack may be released in the ceasefire hostage deal with Hamas, Hartuv wants to connect with others who might share her concerns.
She posted on social media: “I want to have a conversation with those who have family in Gaza or those like me who are biting their nails to see if ‘their’ savages will walk free.”
As for the release of her own attacker, she explained, “I was told there’s a high chance — though I’m uncertain — of this happening.”
Despite her concerns, Hartuv made clear that she supports the release of hostages, emphasising the need to do whatever is necessary to bring innocent people home. “I’ll be the first one jumping for joy when the hostages are released,” she said. “Politically, this might be the only deal we can make right now.”
Acknowledging the difficult nature of the hostage deal, she said, “It sends signals. It may not be the wrong deal, but naturally, it will make people feel there has been an injustice, especially for those who fear what happened on October 7 could happen again,” she stated.
On the balance between security and justice, she reflected on the limitations of the justice system. “There will never be justice,” she said. “Even if the terrorist stays in prison, it doesn’t bring back my mental health or my murdered friend. All we’ve done is lock people away, but there’s a tendency to do the same thing again.”
She also acknowledged the emotional toll the situation has taken on her, as she continues to process the trauma. “Ever since I made aliyah, it’s felt like falling in love. But if the cost of peace means releasing terrorists, it’s like unrequited love,” she said. “When death happens, trauma has no meaning. We need some kind of meaning, or it feels meaningless.”
On Wednesday night, US President Joe Biden and Qatar's Prime Minister confirmed that a deal had been reached for a ceasefire after the 15-month-long war in Gaza, resulting in the release of 33 hostages in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first stage.
Israel’s cabinet is due to meet on Friday to ratify the deal signed by its negotiators with Hamas in Qatar.
