Karina Ariev, Former Hostage, Completes IDF Service with Tribute to Heroes

Karina Ariev, one of the Israeli soldiers abducted by Hamas during the horrific October 7 attacks, has officially concluded her military service with the Israel Defense Forces. In a moving Instagram post, Ariev marked the end of her duty with a message of remembrance and resilience just five months after being released from over a year of captivity in Gaza.

Ariev, an IDF observer stationed at the Nahal Oz base, displayed extraordinary bravery during the brutal assault. As terrorists stormed the outpost, she deflected a grenade and pretended to be dead a split-second decision that saved her life. Captured and dragged across the border, she would spend more than a year imprisoned under harsh and dehumanizing conditions.

The October 7 attack remains one of the darkest days in Israel’s history. More than 1,200 innocent civilians were murdered, and over 250 hostages were taken in a meticulously planned assault by Hamas. Ariev was among them but her story didn’t end there.

Following her release, rather than seeking only comfort and distance from war, Ariev made a powerful decision: to return to the IDF and complete her service. “I wish everyone was here,” she wrote in her farewell message, honoring the memory of the fellow female observers who were killed that day. “I survived for my family and for my friends so that I could tell their stories… and commemorate them. I was lucky to survive, and that’s not something to take for granted.”

Her decision echoes that of other former hostages Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, and others who, despite enduring unthinkable trauma, voiced their desire to continue serving their country. The IDF encouraged these heroes to prioritize healing, yet Ariev chose to return out of a sense of duty and profound love for her fallen sisters-in-arms.

By completing her service, Ariev did more than fulfill a commitment she became a living tribute to those who cannot. Her courage stands as a reminder that Israel’s defenders fight not only with weapons but with unyielding spirit and heart.

Israel stands tall through the strength of its people. If Ariev’s journey inspires you, share her story or subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about the heroes who protect the Jewish state.