
Yuval Getreuer, a kindergarten teacher and stand-up comedian, shared on Facebook his conversation with Peter, a former hostage held by Hamas in Gaza. Peter, who was abducted on October 7 and released after 49 days, recounted meeting Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during his captivity.
Peter described Sinwar as “the ugliest person I have ever met in my life and a moron,” according to Getreuer’s post. Sinwar, who spoke fluent Hebrew, reportedly asked Peter about his well-being in a manner that Peter found infuriating, considering his dire circumstances.
The conversation took place during a shuttle ride in Ethiopia, where Peter and Getreuer, along with others, were traveling. Peter showed Getreuer a photo of himself on a “Bring Them Home” poster and shared details of his captivity. He revealed that Sinwar and other Hamas members occasionally visited the hostages, speaking in Hebrew and interacting with them.
Peter, who had been tasked with caring for elderly hostages during his ordeal, spoke candidly about his experience. He mentioned how Sinwar’s frequent visits and interactions added to the psychological strain of captivity. Despite the grim subject, Peter managed to find a bit of humor, describing Sinwar’s demeanor in a light-hearted manner.
The exchange with Peter left Getreuer reflecting on the stark contrast between the beauty of Ethiopia’s landscape and the harrowing experiences of his fellow traveler. The conversation highlighted the ongoing plight of hostages in Gaza, including 11 foreign nationals still held by Hamas, amid ongoing efforts for their release.
Recent reports have noted that while Hamas has released some hostages, including 23 Thai nationals, many remain in captivity, highlighting the complexities and severe conditions of hostage situations. This situation continues to draw international attention and efforts for resolution, as governments and organizations work to secure the release of the remaining detainees.