Mia Schem, a French-Israeli woman who was taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel, has shared her account of the events that led to her captivity and the weeks she spent in Gaza. Speaking during a visit to London, Schem described the attack on the Nova music festival, her injuries, and her experiences while being held hostage before her release during a temporary ceasefire.
Festival
Schem said she decided to attend the Nova music festival with her friend, Elia Toledano, shortly before the event.
The festival took place near the Israel-Gaza border in southern Israel. According to Schem, she was unaware of its exact location until arriving and did not expect the area to become the site of one of the deadliest attacks in Israel’s history.
At approximately 6:29 a.m. on October 7, rockets were launched, prompting festivalgoers to leave the site.
Attack
According to Schem, she and Toledano left the festival early by car as the attack unfolded.
She recalled encountering armed Hamas militants on the road while attempting to escape. Schem said their vehicle came under gunfire before crashing.
After escaping from the damaged vehicle, the pair hid nearby and contacted emergency services. According to Schem, they were told to remain hidden because help could not immediately reach them.
She said she was then shot in the arm at close range before both she and Toledano were taken into Gaza.
Captivity
Schem was held hostage in Gaza for 55 days before being released during a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas in late 2023.
She was among the first hostages shown in a video released by Hamas during the early days of the conflict.
During her recent interview, Schem described her captivity as extremely difficult, saying she was confined for much of the time and depended on her captors for food and water.
She also said she spent several days in tunnels beneath Gaza shortly before her release, where she encountered other hostages.
Toledano
Elia Toledano, who was abducted alongside Schem, did not survive.
His body was later recovered from Gaza by the Israel Defense Forces.
An Israeli military investigation later stated there was a high probability that his death resulted from an Israeli airstrike during military operations in Gaza.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hostage | Mia Schem |
| Age at attack | 21 |
| Date of attack | October 7, 2023 |
| Time held hostage | 55 days |
| Release | Temporary Israel-Hamas truce |
Conflict
The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel, according to Israeli authorities, with 251 people taken hostage.
Israel responded by launching a large-scale military campaign in Gaza.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction in the territory, according to health authorities in Gaza and international organizations. Casualty figures and other details related to the conflict continue to be reported by multiple sources and remain subject to ongoing updates.
Exhibition
Schem visited London to speak at the Nova Exhibition, an international exhibition that recreates elements of the Nova music festival using recovered vehicles and other materials from the attack site.
The exhibition has traveled to several cities worldwide and is intended to document the events of October 7 through personal accounts and physical displays.
Its appearances have also prompted demonstrations by some groups who criticize Israel’s military actions in Gaza, while organizers say the exhibition focuses on remembering the victims and those taken hostage.
Perspective
Schem said she considers her survival extraordinary and continues to share her experience publicly to raise awareness about the events of October 7 and the hostages who remain unaccounted for.
Her account provides one perspective on the attack and its aftermath, while the broader conflict continues to have profound humanitarian, political, and security consequences across the region.
FAQs
Who is Mia Schem?
A French-Israeli former hostage released from Gaza.
How long was Mia Schem held?
She was held for 55 days.
Where was she abducted?
Near the Nova music festival in southern Israel.
When was she released?
During a temporary Israel-Hamas truce in 2023.
What is the Nova Exhibition?
An exhibition documenting the October 7 attack.
