21-Year-Old Freed Hostage Gets Defiant Tattoo: “We Will Dance Again”

A 21-year-old woman recently released by Hamas after being kidnapped from a music festival in Israel on Oct. 7 has gotten a defiant tattoo that reads, “We will dance again.” Mia Schem, an Israeli-French tattoo artist who was abducted by Hamas from the Tribe of Nova desert rave and later released as part of a temporary cease-fire between the terror organization and Israel, shared photos of her new ink in a moving Instagram post Saturday night.

Tattoo as a Symbol of Resilience

The tattoo on Schem’s left forearm reads, “We will dance again” above “7.10.23” to mark the horrific attack, when hundreds of Israelis were killed and she and dozens of others abducted, sparking the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Schem expressed her determination in the Instagram post, saying, “I will never forget October 7, 2023. The pain and the fear, the difficult sights, the friends who won’t come back, and those we must bring back. But we will win, we will dance!”

Schem’s tattoo serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. It represents her determination to overcome the trauma she experienced and to continue living her life to the fullest.

A Harrowing Experience

Schem was among the dozens of partygoers abducted by Hamas from the rave, where Hamas slaughtered nearly 400 other festival-goers. In a chilling video released by Hamas, she was seen receiving treatment from a veterinarian for a wound on her right arm. She was later taken across the border and underwent a three-hour surgery to treat her undisclosed injuries.

Her family held press conferences, pleading for her safe return. After nearly 50 days in captivity, Schem was released by Hamas on Nov. 30 and has since been reunited with her family. However, she remains traumatized by the ordeal.

Road to Recovery

Schem’s aunt, Vivian Hadar, described her niece as thin and weak, noting that she underwent physical therapy and hand massages to aid in her recovery. While it is difficult for Schem to talk about her experience, her family is grateful to have her back and is focused on supporting her through this challenging time.

The temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, which allowed for Schem’s release, ended earlier this month. The Israeli military resumed its attack in Gaza, launching airstrikes on the Palestinian territory for the first time since the pause in fighting began on Nov. 24.

Schem’s defiant tattoo serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of those affected by conflict. It is a symbol of hope and a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.