Daniel Rye tells his full story for the first time – a story of war and survival spanning from his kidnapping in 2013 to the present day, 12 years later. The lecture covers his time in Syrian captivity, his reunion with freedom, and most importantly: how to rebuild a life after traumatic experiences.
Over 13 months, Daniel was held captive, tortured, and attempted to take his own life during captivity. After his release, he was forced to watch friends and fellow hostages be executed, while the world around him associated him with terrorism everywhere. He struggled with guilt over his fellow hostages' fate and the 15 million kroner terrorists received for his life. Over time, Daniel learned to channel his pain – first through lectures, then through humour and new tools. Two of his torturers were later charged in the USA, forcing him to face his worst nightmare in person once again.
This lecture is not merely an account of survival; it is a story about reclaiming power, finding hope in darkness, and learning to live with trauma rather than be controlled by it. Daniel opens up about the reflections behind major decisions, feelings of guilt, and the long work of becoming human again – a narrative that resonates deeply in a time marked by fear and distress.
