After 738 agonizing days in captivity, the last 20 living hostages, all young or middle-aged men, have returned home to the embrace of their families who worked tirelessly for their release, to their friends, and to an entire nation that hoped and waited for this day to come.
The Hostages Families Forum commented: "Our struggle is not over. It will not end until the last hostage is located and returned for proper burial. This is our moral obligation. Only then will the people of Israel be whole."
The Forum also released photos and biographies of each of the newly-released hostages.
Alon Ohel (24) was born and raised in Lavon. He started playing piano at age nine, also plays bass, and studied music in high school. He developed his unique style inspired by classical music and jazz, enjoyed improvising with other musicians and composing original music. Those who know him say he is cheerful, happy, surrounded by friends, loves life and good food. He planned to begin his studies at the Rimon School of Music in October 2023 when he returned from his big trip to the East, and to move into a shared apartment with his friends in Tel Aviv. On October 7, Alon arrived with his friends at the Nova festival, and when the shooting began they fled to a shelter in Re'im. There he and his friends managed to repel grenades thrown into the shelter, until he was finally kidnapped along with Eliya Cohen, Or Levy, and the late Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Alon has a brother and sister, Ronen and Inbar, and is the son of Kobi and Idit.
Eitan Avraham Mor (25) was born and raised in Kiryat Arba and now lives in Jerusalem. Eitan works at a coffee shop in Jerusalem and is beloved by all his customers. Those who know him describe him as someone with a big heart who makes everyone laugh and loves to give of himself to others. Eitan starts every morning with a sports activity with his dog, opens his home in the Nahlaot neighborhood to passersby, and on Saturdays makes sure to come to his parents' house to help them. On October 7, Eitan worked on the security team at the Nova festival. When the shooting began, Eitan helped evacuate wounded people from the area until he was kidnapped. A released hostage, Ron Krivoy, who spent three days with Eitan in a tunnel, told of Eitan's big smile and hope that didn't fade even in the depths of the earth. Eitan told the other hostages: "You'll see, we'll get out of here, don't despair." Eitan is the eldest of seven siblings. His parents are Zvika and Efrat, and his partner is Odelia.
Gali Berman (28) was born and raised in Kibbutz Kfar Aza and works at the amplification company "Sincopa" with his twin brother Ziv. Four of the company's employees were murdered on Black Saturday. Besides their work in sound and lighting, the twins share a love of soccer-they play together on the "Kfar Aza Foxes" team, are fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Liverpool, and don't miss any of their games. They love to travel the world, and shortly before Black Saturday they traveled to Costa Rica and spent time at the Tomorrowland festival. Gali's friends describe him as the first person they call when they need help, and he has a wide heart. On October 7, he was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza along with his twin brother Ziv and their friend Emily Damari. His parents are Talia and Doron, and he has four siblings: Liran, Idan, and his twin brother Ziv.
Ziv Berman (28) was born and raised in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Ziv and his twin brother Gali are the younger brothers of Liran and Idan, and their parents are Talia and Doron. Gali and Ziv are inseparable and worked together at the amplification company "Sincopa," four of whose employees were murdered on Black Saturday. Ziv, nicknamed "Zivi" by everyone, was born first among the twins, as he always reminds Gali. Their father, Doron, has Parkinson's disease, and the twins coordinated their work shifts according to his treatments. Ziv shares with his brother a love of soccer-they play together on the "Kfar Aza Foxes" team, are fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Liverpool, and don't miss any of their games. They love to travel the world, and shortly before Black Saturday they traveled to Costa Rica and spent time at the Tomorrowland festival. Ziv's friends describe him as an amazing and kind-hearted person with a captivating joy for life and contagious laughter. On October 7, he was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza along with his twin brother Gali and their friend Emily Damari.
Guy Gilboa-Dalal (24) is from Alfei Menashe. From a young age, Guy admired Japanese culture and anime style. He served as a fighter in the SATIL unit, and after his discharge planned the trip to Japan he had dreamed of-to see the cherry blossoms with his own eyes and experience the culture. The dedicated Guy invested his time in learning the Japanese language. He is a die-hard fan of Maccabi Haifa, loves working out, playing guitar and drums, ball sports, and spending time with his many friends and family. On October 7, he went to the Nova festival and was kidnapped along with his childhood friend, Evyatar David. Guy's parents are Ilan and Meirav. He is the older brother to Gaya and younger brother to Gal, who was also at the Nova festival and survived.
Matan Angrest (22) is from Kiryat Bialik. He is the son of Hagai and Anat, and eldest brother to Adi, Ofir, and Roy. Matan is a die-hard Maccabi Haifa fan, loves playing video games, listening to music, working out, spending time with his siblings, and helping everyone. His relatives describe him as a patriot who insisted on enlisting in meaningful combat service and received a certificate of merit from the commander of Brigade 7. On October 7, Matan was kidnapped from the battlefield while defending the Nahal Oz outpost. Three of his friends fell in battle. During his kidnapping he was lynched while unconscious, and according to several testimonies he was starved and severely tortured in captivity.
Omri Miran (47) grew up in Yesod Hamaale in the Galilee and over the years built his home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Omri is a Shiatsu therapist and works in the kibbutz landscaping. His smile precedes him, and his relatives describe that he radiates pleasantness and calmness around him. Omri has a great passion for sports-he plays soccer and basketball in the kibbutz teams, and is a fan of Maccabi Tel Aviv in both soccer and basketball. He doesn't miss any of their games. He loves to travel the world. His family says he is an active, involved, and dedicated father, and his greatest love is quality time with his daughters. On October 7, he was kidnapped from the safe room of his home in front of his wife Lishay and his young daughters Roni and Alma. Alma was only six months old on the day of the kidnapping and knows her father only through the signs calling for his return.
Yosef Chaim Ohana (25) lives in Kiryat Malachi. He is known for his love and concern for his mother, his friends, and his optimism. He loves to travel around the country and dreams of specializing in coaching. Yosef is the son of Miri and Avi, and it is said that he always helped raise the other siblings, in uniting the family and in cooking. His mother says that when she got divorced and needed money, he left her money in an envelope and wrote: "Mom, never stop smiling." On October 7, during the massacre at the Nova Festival, Yosef and another friend treated the wounded under fire and helped them escape. At these moments, he told his friends that he "does not leave wounded in the field," and was later kidnapped from the party.
Segev Kalfon (27) is from Dimona. He is the son of Kobi and Galit, and the middle brother between two siblings-Raz and Talia. Segev loves to spend time with friends at parties, go out, and in general-loves life. In the past he worked in the family bakery alongside his father, and not long before his kidnapping he started a career in the capital market. His friends and family say he is a funny person with a big heart, humble, quiet, and ambitious. On October 7, he was kidnapped from the Nova Festival. Faith held his family throughout his entire time in captivity, and among their many actions for his release, they dedicated prayers and challah separation to him.
Rom Braslavski (21) is from Jerusalem and grew up in Ma'ale Adumim. He is the son of Tami and Ofir, and brother to Amit and Ziv. Those around Rom say he is someone who loves to laugh, party, and experience life, with an unforgettable smile and kind eyes. He loves to help, fights for others, and sees them before himself. On October 7, Rom worked as a security guard at the Nova Festival and displayed extraordinary heroism, saving dozens of people before being kidnapped to Gaza. Released hostage Sasha Trupanov, who was held with Rom in captivity, told that despite everything Rom didn't lose his faith, and said "Shema Israel" and the "Modeh Ani" prayer every morning.
Nimrod Cohen (21) is from Rehovot. He is the son of Vicky and Yehuda, brother to Yotam, and twin brother of Romi. Nimrod loves the trails and nature of Israel, and even guided in scout troops in his youth. His relatives describe the inner peace that characterizes him, his kind eyes, bright smile, and strong values. His family describes how much he loves to eat his mother's cakes and solve Rubik's cubes. On October 7, he fought with his tank crew in defense of Kibbutz Nirim and was kidnapped during the battle. After his kidnapping, Nimrod's Rubik's cube was found burned in the tank. Nimrod is the only survivor among his tank crew-Captain Omer Neutra, Sergeant Oz Daniel , and Sergeant Shaked Dahan fell in battle and were kidnapped to Gaza. Shaked's body was returned for burial thanks to an IDF rescue operation.
Matan Zangauker (25) lives in Kibbutz Nir Oz with his girlfriend Ilana. He is originally from Ofakim. He is the son of Einav and Yaron, and older brother to Natalie and Shani, who has muscular dystrophy. His family describes him as a mature person with a strong work ethic who contributes to the family's livelihood and serves as a father figure to his younger sisters. He is described as modest and introverted, always seeing the welfare of others before himself. His friends affectionately call him "Spider" because of his fear of insects. His greatest dream was to marry Ilana and build a home with her in Nir Oz. He even planned to propose to her, but the dream was cut short on October 7 when they were both kidnapped from their home. Ilana was released in the first deal and has been fighting for his return ever since.
Maxim Herkin (37) is from Tirat HaCarmel. He immigrated to Israel from Ukraine with his family to find security and build a stable home in the country. He is the son of Tala, a single mother, partner of Anna, father to toddler Monica, and older brother to 11-year-old Peter. His mother describes him as the anchor of the family-she and his brother lived in his home and he helped support them. Friends describe him as a quiet but present person, always ready to extend a helping hand. Maksym didn't usually go to parties, but came to the Nova Festival with a couple of friends who convinced him to join. The two were murdered by the terrorists who raided the party, and he was kidnapped to Gaza.
Evyatar David (24) was born and raised in Kfar Saba. He is the son of Galia and Avishai, and brother to Ilay and Yeela. Evyatar loves to play piano and guitar, and on Friday evenings he would play and sing with his siblings. He enjoys playing computer games and training in floor gymnastics and apparatus work. He planned to travel the world and study music production. Those who know him describe him as sensitive, sociable, with an ability to see and understand others, to listen, and possessing deep insights about life. On the evening of October 6, Evyatar went to the Nova festival, which he had been looking forward to for a long time. When the barrage of missiles began, Evyatar updated that he was okay and on his way home, but contact was lost. Two of his friends were murdered, and Evyatar was kidnapped along with his best friend, Guy Gilboa-Dalal.
Elkana Bohbot (36) is from Mevasseret Zion. His family describes him as an amazing family man, full of kindness, love, and generosity. Elkana is married to Rebecca, and they have a five-year-old son named Reem David. Elkana is a party producer and a well-known figure in the trance scene. Ron Leshem, one of the creators of the series Euphoria, said that the character Elkana in the series was created in his inspiration: full of life and goodness. On October 7, Elkana worked as a logistics coordinator in the production of the Nova festival. He stayed at the festival grounds to help evacuate the wounded and was kidnapped. Dozens of people testified that he saved their lives that morning.
Eitan Horn (39) immigrated to Israel as a teenager out of Zionism through the Naale program, and in recent years has lived in Kfar Saba. Eitan dedicated his life to education and set himself the goal of making the world a better place. He was an emissary of the Jewish Agency in Peru, guided in the youth movement "Hamachanot Haolim," taught at-risk youth at the Hadassah boarding school, and accompanied youth who immigrated to Israel through the Naale program. Those who know him describe him as a simple person who loves to help everyone, is funny, and is a die-hard fan of Hapoel Be'er Sheva. He regularly takes his nephews to the team's games with his brother Yair. On October 7, Eitan was visiting his brother Yair in Kibbutz Nir Oz, and they were kidnapped together from his home. Eitan and Yair were held together throughout their entire captivity, until Yair was released on day 498. Eitan is also brother to Amos, and son of Ruti and Itzik.
David Cunio (35) is from Kibbutz Nir Oz. David is a man of handiwork and sports, works as an electrical technician, and appeared in the documentary "The Youth" alongside his twin brother, where he also met his wife, Sharon. Friends and family describe him as connected to the land, humble, and possessing a childlike soul that easily connects with children. He is a beloved uncle to all his nieces and nephews. On October 7, David held the safe room door in the family home for five hours while terrorists tried to open it. His wife Sharon and their two daughters, Emma and Yuli, were kidnapped and returned after 52 days in captivity. David has three brothers: Lucas, Eitan (his twin), and his younger brother Ariel, who is also held kidnapped.
Bar Kupershstein (23) is from Holon. Bar served as a fighter in the Nahal Brigade and volunteers in the "Yadidim" organization to rescue people stuck on the road. His family and friends describe him as always ready to help and having golden hands. Bar loves to play soccer, spend time with friends, and maintains a close relationship with his family. His parents are Tal and Julie, and he is the eldest of five siblings. Tal, his father, volunteered with United Hatzalah and was injured in 2019 while on his way to save lives. He lost his ability to speak and has been wheelchair-bound since then. The accident accelerated Bar's maturity, and at age 16 he managed the family falafel business. On October 7, Bar worked as an usher at the Nova Festival. In the midst of the chaos, Bar was busy rescuing partygoers before he was kidnapped. After Bar's kidnapping, Tal worked with a speech therapist and learned to speak again in order to fight for his son's return.
Avinatan Or (32) was born and raised in Shiloh and currently lives in Tel Aviv. He holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and works at Nvidia. Avinatan loves to cook and bake, work out, and volunteers regularly. Those who know him describe him as a dedicated and involved uncle, a funny guy, a social person, and a loyal friend who is loved by everyone. On October 7, Avinatan was kidnapped from the Nova music festival along with his girlfriend, Noa Argamani. Noa was rescued in a military operation on June 8, 2024. He is the second of seven siblings. His parents are Yaron and Ditza.
Ariel Cunio (28) is from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Ariel works as a software tester in a hi-tech company, loves parties, music, and has been interested in astronomy from a young age. He shares his love of stars with his partner Arbel Yehoud, who grew up alongside him in the kibbutz. The two eventually became a couple, and shortly before Black Saturday they returned from the trip to South America they had dreamed of. They were kidnapped together from their shared home, and Arbel hasn't stopped fighting for his life since her release after 482 days. Ariel is the son of Silvia and Luis Cunio, brother to Lucas, David and Eitan (his twin older brothers). His brother David was also kidnapped on October 7.