Freed from Gaza, Karina Ariev Now Completes Her IDF Service

Karina Ariev, one of the Israeli soldiers abducted by Hamas during the October 7 terror onslaught, has officially completed her service in the Israel Defense Forces. The young IDF observer, who was taken hostage from the Nahal Oz base and held in Gaza for over a year, announced her discharge via Instagram on Monday five months after her dramatic return from captivity.

Ariev had been serving as a lookout when Hamas terrorists stormed the base. During the initial assault, she heroically deflected a grenade and played dead to survive. Even then, her ordeal was just beginning. Once the terrorists realized she was alive, they handcuffed her and dragged her into Gaza, where she was held for over a year under brutal conditions.

Reflecting on her return and final moments in uniform, Ariev wrote, “I wish everyone was here…” a poignant tribute to her fellow observers who were murdered on October 7. Her words underscore the immense weight survivors carry, especially those who escaped while others did not.

“I survived for my family and for my friends so that I could tell their stories, fight for them together with their families, and commemorate them,” she said. “I was lucky to survive, and that’s not something to take for granted. I will do everything to be worthy of it.”

Against all odds, Ariev and four other female observers Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, and another unnamed soldier requested to resume their military service just weeks after being freed. Though the IDF initially advised rest and recovery, Ariev ultimately chose to finish what she had started.

Her courage has resonated throughout Israel, not only for the bravery she displayed during her capture but for her decision to return and honor her fallen comrades by completing her duty.

This act of strength is part of a larger wave of resilience seen among the freed hostages. Just last month, the father of former hostage Liri Albag confirmed she would also return to the IDF, signaling the deep sense of responsibility these young women feel for their nation and their comrades.

Karina Ariev’s story is one of strength, honor, and an unbreakable spirit. In choosing to wear the uniform again, she did more than finish her service she paid tribute to the fallen, amplified their memory, and stood tall as a living testament to Israel’s enduring will to prevail.

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