From Captivity to Courage: The Rising Voices of Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Hamas
For decades, the world has struggled to acknowledge that sexual violence affects not only women and girls, but men and boys as well. Sexual assault against men remains one of the most hidden and stigmatized forms of violence, especially within the context of war. Yet, from the horrors of Hamas captivity, three Israeli men, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Rom Braslavski, and Alon Ohel, have stepped forward with extraordinary bravery to share their experiences of sexual abuse, breaking through layers of silence, stigma, and fear.
Their testimonies are reshaping the national conversation about male trauma, revealing truths that are painful, but essential for society to confront.
After more than two years in captivity, Guy Gilboa-Dalal publicly described being sexually assaulted by a Hamas guard. Guy’s willingness to come forward shattered one of the most entrenched stigmas: that men should remain silent about sexual violence. His voice has become a beacon for other male survivors who have never dared to speak.
Rom Braslavski described his experience as “hell,” a word that reflected not only physical suffering, but profound emotional devastation.
By choosing to speak publicly, Rom transformed personal humiliation into collective awareness. His testimony challenges the societal belief that men are “immune” to sexual abuse or that such abuse is somehow less serious when the victim is male.
After most of his fellow hostages were released, Alon Ohel was left alone in captivity and was sexually assaulted. Alon’s courage in sharing this deeply personal trauma has given a voice to survivors whose abuse often happens in isolation and goes unreported. His story reminds us that sexual violence thrives in silence – and that breaking that silence is an act of profound bravery.
Why Their Voices Matter
Sexual violence against men remains shrouded in shame worldwide. Studies show that 1 in 5 men will experience sexual abuse in their lifetime, yet the vast majority never tell a soul. Male survivors face unique barriers: fear of being disbelieved, emasculated, ridiculed, or stigmatized.
That is why the testimonies of Guy, Rom, and Alon are not only personal revelations – they are historic acts of courage.
Their voices challenge the stigma that has long kept male survivors silent and validate countless others who carry unspoken trauma. By speaking openly, they break persistent myths about masculinity and vulnerability and compel society to recognize sexual abuse as a universal human rights issue. Their testimonies shine a necessary light on crimes that Hamas has consistently denied or minimized, while also strengthening the efforts of professionals who are working to build trauma-informed systems of care for all survivors.
When men speak about sexual violence publicly, they are not just telling their stories – they are expanding the boundaries of what society is willing to acknowledge and address.
The Lifeline for Male Survivors: TASACC’s Men’s Department
In Israel, a critical lifeline for male survivors seeking help without fear or judgment is the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center (TASACC)’s Men’s Hotline (1203). TASACC also runs the country’s only dedicated hotline for religious and Orthodox men, who often face even more complex and painful barriers to speaking out.
At the heart of this groundbreaking work is Eran Hahn, Director of TASACC’s Men’s Department. Hahn, a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, is a national leader in male-oriented trauma support and was part of the professional team that helped develop the protocols for caring for returning male hostages, ensuring that sexual abuse, often unspoken, is addressed with sensitivity, dignity, and expertise.
His recent public commentary, including articles in leading newspapers has helped bring male trauma out of the shadows and into the national discourse.
The bravery of these former hostages is rewriting the narrative about sexual violence in war. By speaking out, Guy, Rom and Alon have set an example to countless other men to acknowledge their pain. Their courage is a lifeline to survivors everywhere who wonder if anyone will believe them.
Their voices make one thing clear: sexual violence is not a women’s issue or a men’s issue – it is a human issue.
Their testimonies demand that we listen, believe, support, and act.
Through the work of TASACC, survivors, regardless of gender, are finding the strength to move from captivity to courage, from silence to healing, and from trauma to hope.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual violence or is experiencing the triggering of post trauma, please know that support is just a call away.
Reach out to the sexual assault crisis hotlines:
1202 for women
1203 for men
02-5328000 for religious men
You are not alone. We are here.
Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center