October 7 hostage Mia Schem tells the Mail what she thinks of pro-Palestine 'sheep' who hate Israel, Drake's pro-Gaza song and reveals Hamas brutality left her with one arm shorter than the other

As the third anniversary of the devastating events of October 7 approaches, Mia Schem, a 24-year-old French-Israeli woman, has spoken out about the enduring physical and emotional trauma she endured after being abducted by Hamas militants. Her experience, marked by grave injury and prolonged captivity, offers a deeply personal perspective on the conflict that has reverberated worldwide.

Schem was seized during the Nova music festival in Israel on October 7, 2023, in a violent assault that left her critically wounded. She sustained a near-fatal gunshot wound to her arm, which was almost severed entirely. Despite losing a significant amount of blood, estimated at around five liters, she survived under harrowing conditions with minimal medical care. The injury resulted in permanent damage, leaving one arm shorter and functionally impaired.

The ordeal began mere minutes after Schem was dancing with her close friend, who tragically did not survive the attack. Forced into captivity, she was transported across the border into Gaza, where she endured 55 days of confinement under brutal conditions. During her captivity, Schem was subjected to psychological torment, including being held in a cage located approximately 60 meters underground in a tunnel system.

Throughout her imprisonment, Schem witnessed firsthand the harsh realities within the Gaza Strip, including the indoctrination of children into extremist ideologies and the lack of compassion even from those who might have been expected to show empathy, such as the family of one of her captors. The environment she described was one where hostility and cruelty were prevalent, and survival was a constant mental and physical struggle.

Schem’s captivity was further compounded by her forced appearance in a Hamas propaganda video released shortly after her abduction. This footage was widely criticized for its use as psychological warfare. Her release on November 30, 2023, came through coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross, marking the end of a traumatic chapter but the beginning of a long recovery.

The impact of her experience extends beyond physical scars. Schem disclosed that she still grapples with the psychological aftermath, including the profound grief over the loss of her friend and the challenge of processing the events she survived. Her faith, while previously a constant in her life, has evolved in the wake of what she witnessed.

Moreover, Schem has expressed frustration with the global discourse surrounding the conflict, particularly criticizing what she terms a “sheep-like” mentality among some supporters of the Palestinian cause who, in her view, fail to grasp the complexities and brutal realities of October 7. She also voiced disappointment in public figures, notably referencing a song by rapper Drake that she felt was insensitive given her experiences.

Despite the severity of her injuries and the trauma she endured, Schem has displayed remarkable resilience. She has managed to renovate her home in central Israel, undertaking much of the work despite the limitations caused by her injured arm. Looking forward, her aspirations include establishing a family and building a life defined by happiness, not solely shaped by the past.

Mia Schem’s testimony provides a critical lens into the human cost of the October 7 attack. Her account underscores the physical and psychological toll borne by hostages and challenges prevailing narratives by sharing a vivid, personal experience of captivity, survival, and the ongoing quest for recovery and understanding.