Mia Schem, a French-Israeli survivor of the 7 October 2023 attacks, has begun modelling after surviving 54 days as a hostage in Gaza. The article presents the move as part of her attempt to rebuild her life and reclaim her identity while continuing to advocate for hostages and survivors.

Schem was kidnapped from the Nova music festival at age 21 after being shot in the arm, and has said she endured surgery, inadequate pain relief and emotional abuse in captivity. Now 24, she has around 300,000 Instagram followers and shares modelling photographs, travel and public appearances, including events in London, at the UN and a Toronto fundraiser; recent images prominently showed scars on her arm and drew supportive responses online.