Hostages in Gaza

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Captivity survivor plays 'Hatikva' at Berlin Jewish festival

Agam Berger, who was held for 482 days in Gaza, plays “Hatikva” at a Jewish festival in Berlin. Her emotional performance follows earlier tributes at March of the Living in Poland.

Just before his release

How Hamas tried to break Guy Gilboa-Dalal

Guy Gilboa-Dalal shares in an interview the psychological pressure he endured, the hope that never faded - and the moment his captors tried to break him, just one day before his return to Israel.

Deceased hostage's mother shares concerns

Talik Gvili, mother of SFC Ran Gvili, whose body is still held by Hamas, says she’s met PM several times and praises public support: 'We feel an enormous embrace.'

Strock:

'We did not go to war just to bring back the hostages'

Clash erupts in government meeting as Minister Orit Strock questioned PM Netanyahu over the Gaza ceasefire’s duration, with Netanyahu stressing hostage returns and the need to advance demilitarization.

Freed hostage in first speech:

'I was exposed to images from the square, you gave me hope'

Freed hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal gives powerful speech at Hostages Square, recalls October 7, honors murdered friends, and urges Israel to bring home the remaining hostages: “I am finally home.”

Family releases footage of deceased hostage

The family of Meny and Ayelet Godard, killed during Hamas captivity and during the October 7 massacre, releases footage of the couple in their safe room during a 2021 Gaza operation. 'It's not over 'till it's over.'

Family of Meny Godard:

'Now we can begin to heal'

The family of Meny Godard, whose body was returned to Israel for burial after 769 days, says they can now begin to heal - and vow to keep fighting for the three families still waiting.

Body of hostage Meny Godard returned to Israel

Israel receives, via the Red Cross, the coffin of a deceased hostage, identified as Meny Godard from Kibbutz Be'eri.

Time magazine names captivity survivor's memoir among top 100

Time magazine names Eli Sharabi’s memoir “Hostage” one of the year’s top 100 books. Sharabi, held by Hamas for 491 days, recounts his ordeal and loss in a raw account that reached NYT bestseller status.

Israeli officials:

'Hamas holds information on all four deceased hostages'

Officials say Hamas possesses full details on all hostages, including those held by Islamic Jihad: “Pressure must be applied until the last one is returned.”

Hamas captivity survivors give chilling testimony at the UN

Captivity survivors Keith and Aviva Siegel appeared before the Committee against Torture and Cruel Punishment and gave their testimony about the humiliation, violence and sexual abuse they and other hostages experienced in Hamas captivity.

'It's Over'

Idan Amedi’s farewell song to Hadar Goldin

At the funeral of the late Lieutenant Hadar Goldin at the military cemetery in Kfar Saba, singer and songwriter Idan Amedi sang his song "It's Over" in front of the officer's grave.

'A Jewish warrior'

After over 11 years in captivity - Hadar Goldin is laid to rest

Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, abducted in 2014 and returned this week, is laid to rest in Kfar Saba with full military honors.

Ex‑hostage:

'They were nicer to me after seeing my Mother on TV'

Matan Zangauker credited his mother’s vocal campaign for surviving captivity, saying it changed his captors’ attitude, and spoke out against false rumors spread online.

Hadar Goldin's sister

'Without the people of Israel Hadar wouldn't be home'

Hadar Goldin’s siblings make statement following the return of their brother's remains 11 years after he was killed by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

'May we be the last to suffer'

Final farewell to Lior Rudaeff, 763 days after October 7 heroism

Thousands gathered at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak to honor Lior Rudaeff, killed on October 7 and laid to rest over two years later after a long struggle to bring him home.

Released hostage:

'I never gave into the terrorists,' says Matan Zangauker

Journalist Yolan Cohen speaks about her interview with released hostage Matan Zangauker and the obstinate struggle he waged even while in captivity.

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Released hostages return to their favorite football stadium

Gali and Zivi Berman, Hamas hostages who were released after 772 days of captivity, were guests of honor at the Maccabi Tel Aviv game at Bloomfield Stadium. The fans and players welcomed them with emotional cheers.

Arab source:

Islamic Jihad holding half of remaining hostages' bodies

Palestinian Arab source says Hamas faces difficulties returning all four deceased hostages' bodies, assesses Islamic Jihad may soon capitulate.

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11 years ago and today, neighbors sing outside the Goldins' home

Hundreds gathered in Kfar Saba to support the Goldin family after the body of Lt. Hadar Goldin was returned, marking the end of an 11-year ordeal in Hamas captivity.

Givati Recon Commander:

'We fought to bring Hadar home - a powerful, emotional closure'

At a battalion gathering of the Givati Reconnaissance Unit, attended by brigade commanders and soldiers, the return of Hadar Goldin for burial in Israel is marked as a moment of closure.

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IDF Chief of Staff embraces Hadar Goldin's parents

The Chief of the General Staff met with the family of fallen and abducted soldier, Lt. Hadar Goldin, to review the extensive efforts undertaken over the years to bring him home.

Goldin family issues emotional statement after 11‑year wait

Following Lt . Hadar Goldin’s return after more than 11 years in Hamas captivity, his family said they fought for friendship, burial in Israel, and dignity.

Closure after 11 years:

Body of Hadar Goldin returned to Israel

Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, who fell in combat in 2014 and was held by Hamas since the, has finally returned to Israel for burial.

Hadar Goldin's weapon returned to his family

Hadar Goldin's weapon, which was found in Gaza, was returned to his family. At the same time, a coffin believed to contain his body, was transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification

'Itay, this song is for you'

Watch: Idan Amedi's moving performance at Itay Chen's funeral

Israeli singer, actor, and wounded war veteran Idan Amedi, gave an emotional performance at the funeral of Itay Chen, whose body was returned to Israel last week from Hamas captivity.

Bereaved father's message to US

'We found many allies, good people that felt our pain'

Ruby Chen eulogizes his son Itay, 2 years after Itay was murdered on October 7. 'I apologize that it took two years to bring you back.'

A Time to Dance, a Time to Refrain:

When Jewish success meets rising envy

As the Jewish people take center stage in the eyes of the world, King Solomon’s wisdom reminds us that even moments of joy demand humility, vigilance, and restraint. Opinion.

Hadar's Comrade:

'Until Hadar is back, Operation Protective Edge is not over'

Elhai Refua, a close friend of Hadar Goldin, describes the moment he learned of Hadar's abduction during Operation Protective Edge in an interview with Arutz Sheva.

Itay Chen laid to rest:

'For over two years I tried to keep you alive'

Staff Sgt. Itay Chen, 19, killed on October 7 and recently returned from Gaza, was laid to rest in Kiryat Shaul as Israel mourns a beloved son and national hero.

‘Love that moves nations’:

Steve Witkoff pays tribute to Itay Chen

Speaking at the funeral of Sgt. Itay Chen, US Envoy Steve Witkoff praised his bravery on October 7 and said, 'Itay helped heal a part of my own heart.'

After Hamas video release:

Uncertainty surrounds return of Lt. Hadar Goldin’s body

Hours after Hamas claimed to have located the body of killed and kidnapped IDF officer Lt. Hadar Goldin in Rafah, the terrorist organization announces it plans to return Goldin's body at 2pm.

Father Of Hostage:

'No partnership with those pushing the two-state solution'

Tzvika Mor, whose son was taken hostage, denounced Haaretz for an article criticizing him.

Captivity survivor calls for return of Hadar Goldin's body

Hamas captivity survivor Matan Angrest joins Hostages Square rally, calling for the return of fallen IDF soldier Hadar Goldin's body from Gaza.

MDA mourns deceased hostage and longtime volunteer Lior Rudaeff

Magen David Adom mourns volunteer EMT Lior Rudaeff, whose body was returned from Gaza for burial in Israel.

Body of deceased hostage Lior Rudaeff returned to Israel

Warrant Officer (res.) Lior Rudaeff, aged 61 from Nir Yitzhak, served as deputy security coordinator and a member of the rapid response team.

Hamas claims to have found body of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin

Hamas source tells Al Jazeera that the body of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin, killed and abducted in 2014, has been found near Rafah.

Israel receives body of murdered hostage from Red Cross in Gaza

Israel receives a murdered hostage’s body via Red Cross in Gaza. The coffin will undergo identification after a military ceremony. Six hostage bodies remain in Gaza, despite Hamas’s obligation to return them.

Moving video:

Ishay Ribo performs at Omer Neutra's funeral

Israeli singer Ishay Ribo moves family and friends of fallen American-Israeli IDF soldier Omer Neutra as he was laid to rest after being returned from Hamas captivity.

2 years after falling

American-Israeli IDF soldier Omer Neutra laid to rest

Omer, a Lone Soldier from Long Island, was buried in a military cemetary following the return of his body 2 years after he was murdered and abducted.

Herzog at funeral

'All nations must stand with humanity, bring all hostages home'

President Herzog delivers eulogy at the funeral of Israeli-American soldier Captain Omer Neutra.

Rom Braslavski:

'They tortured me because I’m Jewish'

Captivity survivor Rom Braslavski recounts the severe abuse he endured in captivity and clarifies: “Not because of Ben Gvir or Netanyahu - they tortured me because I’m Jewish.”

Freed hostages call out: Keep Shabbat

Four recently released hostages urge Jews around the world to embrace Shabbat: “It gave us strength even in the harshest conditions.”

Staff Sgt Oz Daniel, returned from Gaza, is laid to rest

Staff Sergeant Oz Daniel, may his memory be a blessing, who was returned this week, was laid to rest today at the Kfar Saba military cemetery.

Body of foreign student Joshua Loitu Mollel returned to Israel

Joshua Loitu Mollel, was an agricultural student from Tanzania who came to Kibbutz Nahal Oz just weeks before the October 7 massacre, when he was killed and his body abducted to Gaza.

‘The Troll’ eliminated: Former hostage responds

Segev Kalfon reacts to the elimination of the terrorist known as “The Troll,” who held him captive during his time in Hamas captivity. “A bullet that kills a terrorist doesn’t close the story.”

Matan Emunah Essay:

Rachel is still weeping, waiting for them all to come home.

Mothers are always praying for their children, even when they aren’t aware of doing it.

Coffin said to be holding deceased hostage crosses into Israel

The IDF and Shin Bet announced that a coffin said to be carrying a deceased hostage, escorted by IDF troops, crossed the border into the State of Israel.

IDF clarifies:

No information indicating Hadar Goldin’s body is in Rafah tunnel

Israeli officials say the body of the soldier, who fell in 2014, is being held in a tunnel in an Israeli-controlled area of Rafah, where 150 terrorists are entrenched.

'To crush my dignity'

Captivity survivor reveals sexual abuse by Hamas captors

Rom Braslavski, who survived 2 years in Hamas's clutches, describes for the first time the physical, mental, and sexual abuse his captors inflicted on him.

IDF confirms:

Terrorist who held six Israeli hostages eliminated

Zaid al-Hadi who held Bar Kuperstein, Ohad Ben Ami, Maxim Herkin, Elkana Bohbot, Segev Kalfon, and Yosef-Haim Ohana in captivity, was eliminated after Hamas violated the ceasefire.

Itay Chen's family

'We will not stop until the last hostage returns home'

Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, says: “Our personal journey may have reached its conclusion, but not the hostage families’ collective journey - we will NOT rest, will NOT stop, until the last hostage returns home”

Body of murdered hostage Sgt. Itay Chen returned to Israel

Prime Minister’s Office announces that the body of abducted fallen soldier Sergeant Itay Chen has been returned to Israel. Hamas continues to hold the bodies of seven murdered hostages.

Hamas:

Body of murdered Israeli civilian to be returned tonight

The bodies of eight hostages continue to be held in Gaza.

NYC honors Cpt. Omer Neutra

A hometown hero finally brought home

Hundreds gathered at Columbus Circle to honor Captain Omer Neutra z”l, a NY native whose body was held by Hamas for 758 days, and to call for the return of the eight hostages still in Gaza.

'Look me in the eye'

Hadar Goldin's sister's demand from the Prime Minister

After meeting Gal Hirsch, relatives of the final hostages still in Gaza demanded the war-ending deal be fulfilled, including the return of all deceased held by Hamas in Gaza.

Neutra family speaks out:

'Our Omer is on Israeli soil, at last'

Neutra family issues first public statement in Tel Aviv, honoring their son’s legacy, thanking key figures for their efforts, and urging continued action for hostages.

How Red Cross and Hamas are working to recover hostage bodies

Hamas has formed special teams to locate and guard the bodies of slain Israeli hostages in Gaza, reportedly working with the Red Cross and Egyptian crews near the Yellow Line.

Max Herkin:

Faith in the Jewish people kept me strong in captivity

Jewish Agency heads Doron Almog and Mark Wilf visited Capt. Maxim Herkin, a Supernova survivor recently freed from Hamas captivity, who shared his ordeal and enduring faith.

Watch:

Released hostage Segev Kalfon removes his photograph

Hostage survivor Segev Kalfon removes his photograph that was pasted during the war on an intensive care unit at the Magen David Adom station in Dimona.