This Freed Israeli Girl Hostage Shared How Hamas Let Her Keep Her Dog With Her During Her Time Captive
Mia Leimberg, her Shih Tzu Bella and members of her family were part of the about 100 hostages taken by Hamas during its surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
An Israeli girl was taken hostage by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack has shared how Hamas allowed her to keep her dog during captivity, which provided her moral support throughout her time.
Mia Leimberg and members of her family were part of the about 100 hostages taken by Hamas during its surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
Leimberg, her mother and aunt were later released as part of the prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas during the seven-day humanitarian pause deal.
Many were surprised, however, when a Hamas’ video showed Leimberg cradling a little, white dog in her arms during the hostage release.
Bella, Leimberg’s Shih Tzu dog, had hid under her jacket when Hamas transported them into Gaza, Leimberg’s dad said his daughter told him.
“They had to climb up the ladder, that’s when Hamas people noticed that this was not a doll, it was a living, breathing dog,” he said. “And a bit of an argument ensued and it was decided to let her keep the dog instead of leaving it behind, in a bird cage.”
Leimberg said she was lucky that Bella was a quiet dog, or else Hamas would not have let her keep Bella with her.
Although Bella was not provided her own food, she survived on other people’s leftovers, Leimberg said.
“She tried to walk around the place where we were kept. We had to make sure she doesn’t start exploring too much,” Leimberg recounted.
“She was a huge help to me, she kept me busy, she was moral support, even though she didn’t wanna be,” Leimberg added. “I’m just so happy, that I managed to do this journey with her.”
Leimberg said she feels well physically and mentally right now, but it was still “a hard experience that will take quite the while, to like, sink in.”
Hamas are still holding Leimberg’s uncle, aunt’s partner and other Israelis as hostages.
