Luis Eladio Perez relata su secuestro a manos de las FARC
Ingrid Betancourt made headlines across the world when she was released by the captors that had held her hostage for six and a half years. A man that knew her through the horrific captivity at the hands of the FARC was Luis Eladio Perez. He too was taken hostage and spent seven agonizing years not knowing if he would come out if it alive. But he did, and his recently released book Siete Años Secuestrado por las FARC recounts his time at the hand of his captors. Written by Dario Arizmendi the book is hard to put down yet some parts almost too painful to read. However, there are lighter moments, where Mr. Perez is able to find ways of coping, like hearing his family's broadcast messages of love and support over the small portable radio he was allowed to keep. The broadcasts not only gave him hope but kept him from despairing at times when he could not see living through another day.
I spoke with Mr. Eladio Perez who was in Miami during a phone interview and he expressed that despite the great joy of being free he cannot fully manifest his happiness in light of his fellow countrymen who remain hostage. Also spoke of Ingrid Betancourt and although he's not seen her since her release a bond has been created between them as a result of sharing days, months and years in captivity. This bond, said Mr. Perez goes beyond a friendship and becomes a sort of kinship.
In the face of so much loss and hardships I asked Mr. Perez what he gained: "Tolerance and humility" was his quick answer.
Paula
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