A former Israeli hostage, Mia Schem, is currently in New York on a mission to advocate for the remaining 101 hostages who are still held captive by Hamas. Schem, a tattoo artist with French and Israeli citizenship, was released on November 30, 2023, after enduring 54 days of captivity, during which she underwent surgery performed by a veterinarian in Gaza.
Speaking to The Post, Schem expressed her deep commitment to fighting for the release of the other hostages, stating that it has become her life’s purpose. She emphasized the need to share her story with the world and be a voice for the women who are still being held captive.
Schem was abducted along with her friend Elia Toledano from the Tribe of Nova music festival on October 7. During her captivity, she was shot in the right arm and received minimal medical attention for her injuries. Despite the pain and suffering she endured, Schem remained resilient and determined to survive.
One of the most haunting experiences for Schem was witnessing the plight of other female hostages who were held in a dark cage in the tunnels. She vividly remembers the heartbreaking pleas of these women as she was told she would be released, leaving them behind.
Since her release, Schem has undergone two surgeries to address the extensive damage to her arm. However, her physical recovery is intertwined with emotional trauma, as she grapples with the memories of her captivity and the fate of those still held captive.
Tragically, Schem learned that her friend Toledano’s body had been recovered from Gaza, adding to the emotional turmoil she has been facing. The stress and trauma of her ordeal culminated in her experiencing her first epilepsy attack, a condition she now manages with daily medication.
Despite her personal struggles, Schem is unwavering in her commitment to advocating for the remaining hostages. She views her mission in New York as a critical part of her healing process, as she strives to bring attention to the ongoing plight of those who are still in captivity.
As she navigates the complexities of her post-captivity life, Schem remains resolute in her determination to be a voice for the voiceless and fight for the release of all hostages still held by Hamas.
