Irish Kidnap Survivor Reveals Terrifying Ordeal in Haiti

UPDATE: Irish aid worker Gena Heraty shares chilling details of her 26-day kidnapping ordeal in Haiti, revealing her fear of being sacrificed in a voodoo ritual. Speaking publicly for the first time since her release on August 29, 2023, Heraty described the terror that gripped her and her fellow captives, including a three-year-old boy, during their harrowing experience.

In a candid interview with Midwest Radio’s host Tommy Marren, Heraty recounted how her kidnappers openly claimed to be “working for the devil.” She vividly recalled her dread that any member of her group could be chosen for a horrific sacrifice. “I was petrified that any one of us could be used in a sacrifice,” she stated, emphasizing the psychological torment she endured.

The missionary, abducted from an orphanage, described being subjected to both verbal and physical abuse while held in an undisclosed location. She described nights filled with the sounds of her captors plotting attacks, saying, “We could hear them screaming, ‘we’re going to kill them, we’re going to burn them.’”

Heraty explained that she often positioned herself in front of her captors to protect the young boy from potential violence. “I didn’t want him being a part of that aggression,” she said, revealing the emotional burden she carried during their captivity.

The conditions were dire, with the group confined to a cramped space and receiving only minimal food. “Food was sparse and came sporadically,” said Heraty, who often saved her daily ration of rice for the boy. Her resilience shone through as she recalled how she coped with hunger by invoking the strength of her ancestors, stating, “I thought of all our ancestors that were hungry… we need all the strength we can to get through this.”

Amid the chaos, moments of hope emerged. Heraty recounted how the young boy once shouted, “Gena, there’s Mother Mary,” pointing to a wall, a sight that provided comfort during their darkest hours. “If he could see Mother Mary, I felt we were going to be okay,” she reflected.

Despite the trauma, Heraty expressed her determination to continue her work in Haiti. “These gangs took a month of my life. They’re not getting one second more of it,” she declared, vowing to double her efforts to bring good to those in need.

She revealed that her experience has deepened her connection to the struggles of others, saying, “We were praying for the people in Gaza, the people in Haiti, for those who are hungry all over the world.” Heraty also expressed anger at her captors, describing the trauma inflicted upon the orphanage’s residents and mourning the death of the oldest member during her captivity.

While she felt anger, Heraty also conveyed a sense of compassion for the gang leaders, recognizing their own entrapment in violence. “They’re imprisoned in their own mentality,” she said, emphasizing a desire for understanding over hatred.

As she contemplates returning to Ireland for the Christmas holidays, Heraty remains steadfast in her mission. “This is what Irish people do – we don’t sit back and feel sorry for ourselves, we get on with it,” she affirmed, embodying the resilience and spirit that defines her journey.

This story of survival not only highlights the horrors faced by aid workers but also serves as a reminder of the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.