On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking more than 240 hostages into Gaza. While some hostages were released during a temporary ceasefire in November 2023, and others have been rescued or recovered deceased, many remain in captivity. As of March 2025, the situation remains one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the Middle East.
Over the past seventeen months, negotiations have resulted in the release of just over 100 hostages, primarily women, children, and elderly individuals. Several military operations have also led to the rescue of a handful of captives. However, according to official Israeli sources, 59 hostages remain in Hamas custody - 24 believed to be alive and 35 confirmed deceased, with their remains still held in Gaza.
The following profiles detail the individuals who remain in Gaza – both those believed to be alive and those confirmed deceased whose remains have not been returned to their families. Behind each name is a life interrupted, a family in anguish, and a community awaiting their return.
Hostages believed to still be alive
Edan Alexander, 21
A dual American-Israeli citizen, Edan was taken hostage during the October 7 attacks. He was captured from the Kissufim outpost in the Gaza envelope where he was serving in the IDF after choosing to move to Israel and enlist. A native of Tenafly, New Jersey, Edan moved to Israel in 2022 after high school. According to his mother Yael, Hamas released a video of him during Thanksgiving weekend in 2023, his favorite holiday. "I know my son is probably in tunnels, so I understand that he's not seeing sunlight, and the air is very thin underground," Yael told the Associated Press in February 2025. "It's very, very difficult for me to even think about it." She has divided her time between Israel, Washington, D.C., where she meets frequently with politicians, and her family home in New Jersey.
Matan Angrest, 22
From Kiryat Bialik, Matan was captured from the tank in which he was fighting on October 7. All his tank comrades—Itai Chen, Daniel Peretz, and Tomer Leibovitz—were killed, and their bodies were taken to Gaza. In March 2025, Matan's family released the first photograph showing him in captivity, six months after Hamas published an audio recording of him. "This is the first footage from a video of Matan Angrest, a soldier who was kidnapped from a tank while wounded and unconscious at the Nahal Oz outpost," his family said. "He had gone out with his team to defend the outpost and the kibbutz. Matan was abducted in critical condition and is enduring unimaginable suffering, torture during interrogations, and inhumane conditions." In the audio recording released earlier, Matan addressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to secure his release: "Netanyahu, you must make the exchange between the prisoners in Israel and the prisoners here. I believe you're capable of it; you just need to want it. Netanyahu, I trust you! You can do it, and I hope it will happen as soon as possible."
Gali Berman, 27
From Kfar Azza, Gali was captured along with his twin brother Ziv during the attacks on October 7. Born and raised in Kibbutz Kfar Azza. According to the kibbutz, the twins are inseparable, earning the nickname "Twin Power" because they do everything together. Gali played as a defender for the "Kfar Azza Foxes" soccer team. "Gali is the first person you call if you need help with something; he'll always respond positively and do it with love. He's a friend and person with the biggest heart you can find—the kind of friend you always hoped to have," his friend Inbar Rosenfeld said. He worked for the sound and lighting company "Syncopa 2002." On the morning of October 7, Gali's family received a message from him saying he loved them and that everything would be over soon—this was their last contact with him. His mother Talia wrote in the kibbutz website: "Just a bit longer my beloved sons, just a little bit more, and this nightmare will end. You will return to me and I'll give you such a strong hug and never let go. This is our life's mission. Every hour, every minute during the day and during the night is dedicated to you, my beloved sons."
Ziv Berman, 27
From Kfar Azza, Ziv was taken along with his twin brother Gali during the October 7 attacks. They lived together in the young generation neighborhood of the kibbutz, right next to the fence. Like his brother Gali, Ziv played for the "Kfar Azza Foxes," playing as a defensive midfielder. According to the kibbutz, he and his brother were both ardent fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Liverpool FC. Their parents, Talia and Doron, raised four siblings: Liran (36), Idan (32), and the twins Ziv and Gali. All four siblings got matching bear tattoos to remember they are "Bear-men" (a play on their last name). During the attack, Ziv texted his family that he smelled smoke in his apartment and later messaged his friends that he could hear terrorists inside his home. For 11 days, the family had no idea what had happened to him until they received word he had likely been kidnapped.
Elkana Bohbot, 35
From Mevasseret Zion, Elkana was part of the production crew at the outdoor rave near Re'im when he was taken hostage during the October 7 attacks. Before his abduction, he had been planning to open an ice cream stall in Tel Aviv's Carmel Market – a dream his parents David and Ruhama have kept alive by paying 3,500 shekels ($980) monthly rent for the empty stall. "I think this is one of the first things that will help rehabilitate my son," Ruhama told Haaretz. The first sign of life from Elkana came in February 2025, when a released hostage told his family he had been held with Elkana in a small room dozens of meters underground, surviving on pieces of stale pita bread. The released hostage shared that Elkana kept asking if his family was still holding his spot in the market and taking care of his equipment. According to this hostage, Elkana held Kiddush every Friday in captivity, using water instead of wine and a piece of cloth for a kippah. When Yom Kippur came, he insisted on fasting – his way of maintaining dignity. Elkana's 3-year-old son Reem often looks up at the sky, searching for the helicopter that will bring his father home. The family's primary concern was whether Elkana was alone. The released hostage reassured them: "There's someone else with him. He's not alone."
Rom Braslavski, 21
From Jerusalem, Rom was providing security at the outdoor rave near Re'im when he was captured during the attacks. He was last seen in the Re'im area on the morning of October 7. Before being kidnapped, Rom proved himself a true hero. Survivors of the Nova music festival testify that he saved dozens of young people before being captured. "He stayed behind to save people," his cousin Adam Chagag said in an interview with Kan Reshet B, "Rom is a guy with good eyes and a great love for helping others." Rom, who celebrated his 21st birthday in Hamas captivity, is deeply missed by his mother Tami, who has been desperately collecting photos of him. "His phone has still not been found, it cannot be located. At that age, there aren't many pictures, these are the ages when you don't really take pictures with your parents," she told Israel Hayom. "I long to hear his voice, to have him stand beside me, it breaks my heart," she added. "I'm strong, I try to detach myself, but the last few days have been difficult, especially when they talk about a deal and especially when Rom is not on the list."
7. Ariel Cunio, 27
A resident of Nir Oz, Ariel was kidnapped along with his partner, Arbel Yehud, her brother Dolev Yehud, and his brother David Cunio. Ariel grew up in Kibbutz Nir Oz and had been living there with his partner Arbel for five years. They had just returned from a trip to South America shortly before the attack. His mother, Silvia Cunio, who has two sons in captivity, told Ayelet Shachar on "HaBoker Hazeh" on Kan Reshet Bet: "I really want to hug my children again. It's been 507 days since I hugged them. David's daughters wait every day, every second for him to return, and ask for him and their uncle to be brought back."
David Cunio, 34
From Nir Oz, David was taken from his home with his family members on October 7. While his wife Sharon and their three-year-old twin daughters Emma and Yuly were released during the November 2023 prisoner exchange, David remains in captivity. Unlike his brother Ariel, David's family has received a sign of life from him during captivity. In a protest outside the Prime Minister's Office, their mother Silvia told Ynet: "We will continue to fight for you, be strong," in a message to her sons. Silvia sees "the light at the end of the tunnel" but won't stop fighting until both her sons return.
9. Nimrod Cohen, 19
From Rehovot, Nimrod was a tank operator who was taken hostage from his tank in which he was fighting. The rest of his team was killed. His family identified him in one of the Hamas videos while searching through footage. In February 2025, Nimrod's father Yehuda shared news about his son with Ynet: "One of the released hostages called me last Saturday night and told us that he was with Nimrod in captivity for a certain period, from December to May." According to Yehuda, the released hostage provided another sign of life from his son. "They developed a deep acquaintance during that time," he said. "The most significant thing he said is that the day before his release, he asked the terrorists about Nimrod, he asked when Nimrod would be released, and they spoke about him in the present tense. He asked where Nimrod was and they said 'in the area.' This is another sign of life, as of last Friday." The father added that the released hostage and his son "were above ground for two weeks during that time, and the rest in a tunnel. They watched Al Jazeera while in captivity."
10. Aviatar David, 24
From Kfar Saba, Aviatar was at the outdoor rave near Re'im when he was captured during the October 7 attacks. He went to the party with his friend Guy Gilboa-Dalal, who was also kidnapped. They were also with Idan Irmati and Ron Tzarfati, who were killed in the attack.
In February 2025, over 500 days into his captivity, the first sign of life from Aviatar was received when Hamas released a video showing him and Guy Gilboa-Dalal watching the release of other hostages, as reported by Mako News. According to his family's statement to Mako, Aviatar and Guy have been friends since they were one and a half years old.
His mother Galia described to Yoav Limor in an interview with Mako the severe conditions of his captivity based on testimonies from released hostages. Aviatar is reportedly held in an underground tunnel about one meter wide with three other people, including a pit for waste at the end covered with jute fabric to mitigate the smell. She noted signs of extreme distress in his appearance in the video, mentioning starvation, illness, and poor hygiene. His mother told Mako that she had been holding onto hope that Aviatar's quiet, kind nature might influence his captors positively, but the video confirmed the harsh reality of his situation.
Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 23
From Alfei Menashe, Guy was attending the outdoor rave near Re'im when he was taken hostage during the attack. He went to the party with his friend Aviatar David, who was also kidnapped. Guy was planning to go on his big post-army trip when he was captured.
In February 2025, after more than 500 days in captivity, Guy appeared in a Hamas-released video alongside his childhood friend David, showing them watching the release of other hostages. The two have been friends since they were toddlers.
According to released hostages Guy is in poor physical condition, suffering from untreated infections, malnutrition, and is restricted in his movements. He is being held in a narrow tunnel approximately one meter wide with a waste pit at the end. Family members described to Ynet his eyes as "dark" and "extinguished" in the video, noting he appeared to be half the person he was before captivity.
According to his brother Gal, who told Ynet he was in Washington D.C. advocating for hostages when the video was released, Guy and Aviatar are being kept together in captivity, which provides some small comfort amid the horrific conditions.
Maxim Herkin, 36
From Tirat Carmel, Maxim was attending the outdoor rave near Re'im when he was taken hostage during the attack. According to his mother Tela Herkin, who immigrated to Israel from Ukraine seeking safety and security, "Maxim is the backbone of our family, our anchor. He helps us make a living. He is my whole world." She told Haifa news outlet "Hai Po" that she has received no information about his condition or whereabouts since his abduction. The Nova festival was his first trance party, which he attended only after being convinced by friends. Tragically, the couple who convinced him to attend were found burned to death in a vehicle, leaving behind two small children. Maxim is a devoted father to his 3.5-year-old daughter Monika, who lives in Russia and whom he had visited just a week before the attack. "He had many dreams," his mother says. "He studied and worked while taking care of me and his brother. I believed there was security in Israel. On October 7, they stole my son, my life, and my sense of security."
13. Eitan Horn, 38
Kidnapped while visiting his brother Yair in Kibbutz Nir Oz. His brother, who was also kidnapped, was released in February 2025 after 498 days in captivity. Their father, Itzik Horn, expressed his frustration in a radio interview with Arye Eldad and Mia Ziv-Wolf on 103FM, saying: "No one updates me or talks to me. What we know is through the media. Why would they update me? Who do we matter to? - That's been the feeling for more than 500 days." He also shared his worries about his son still in captivity: "I know that Eitan and the rest of the hostages are in danger." Eitan worked in informal education, working with delegations, boarding schools, and youth movements. Before his abduction, he had worked in security and had also been a paramedic. Horn’s father has criticized the government's handling of the hostage families, saying: "If we depend on the U.S. President to free our hostages who were kidnapped barefoot, then we're in a difficult situation. We have no choice but to keep pressing, going to demonstrations, making statements. My Prime Minister is Benjamin Netanyahu, I can't wait for President Trump."
14. Bipin Joshi, 24
A Nepalese agriculture student, Bipin was kidnapped from Kibbutz Alumim where he was studying advanced farming techniques. He had arrived in Israel just three weeks before being captured. He was hiding in a shelter with 16 other people when Hamas terrorists found them. Bipin is believed to still be alive, but according to Nepal's ambassador to Israel, Dhan Prasad Pandit, there is "no concrete information" yet about Bipin's condition or whereabouts. The last time his mother Padma spoke to him was on October 6, 2023, the day before he was kidnapped. "I feel like he will message me today or tomorrow saying 'mummy, I am free now and I will return home immediately,'" she told the BBC in January 2025. His family lives in the small village of Bispuri Mahendranagar in western Nepal, close to the border with India.
Segev Kalfon, 27
From Dimona, Segev was attending the outdoor rave near Re'im when he was captured during the attack. According to his mother Galit, Segev's medical condition should have qualified him for the humanitarian phase of the hostage release. "He suffers from anxiety disorders and is on medication, has post-traumatic stress from an accident at a young age, and underwent surgery where plates were inserted into his leg that could become infected," she explained to Ynet in February 2025. Segev has been held captive for over 493 days, missing two birthdays in Hamas captivity. His family has been living in excruciating uncertainty, with his mother saying: "I haven't worked since October 7th. It's hard for me to leave the house. Here I feel closest to Segev, and when I leave, it feels like I'm abandoning him." His friend Assaf Harush was with him at the Nova festival and witnessed his abduction: "Segev ran a bit ahead of me. When we reached the road, he was already in the middle, and I was about to cross after him. Then I saw terrorists' pickup trucks—they were less than 100 meters from us. I stepped back and jumped into a bush to hide. I saw them stopping next to Segev and taking him."
16. Bar Kuperstein, 22
From Holon, Bar was working as a security guard at the outdoor rave near Re'im when he was captured during the October 7 attacks. He is a paramedic with United Hatzalah, and his friends saw him in a Hamas video lying on the ground with his hands tied. Bar has been the primary financial support for his family – his mother Julie, father Tal, and four younger siblings. His father, also a paramedic, was severely injured about three years ago when he stopped to help at a car accident scene, subsequently suffered a stroke, and remains in a wheelchair. "He's had a lot of responsibility on his young shoulders," his cousin Itzhak Tabatchnik told The Times of Israel. When the Hamas rockets first landed, Bar told his mother he was packing up and coming home, but instead stayed to help the injured. "We heard from people who survived the massacre," Tabatchnik said. "Families who told us that they feel... well, not guilty, but they owe a lot to Bar. He did what he had to do to save the lives of others. And he paid with his own freedom." Described as intelligent and kind with many friends, Bar is "a people person, a family person. He loves to be loved, and he is the pride of the family." Another family member said he's "the kind of person who will stop and help change a person's flat tire, even when he's dressed all in white."
17. Omri Miran, 47
A resident of Nahal Oz, Omri was taken from a neighbor's house, captured on camera. He was kidnapped alongside Tsachi Idan, with his abduction witnessed by Tomer Arava, a neighbor who survived by going house to house at the terrorists' gunpoint. According to his wife, Lishay Miran, the family has received reports that Omri has been held in tunnels since the 51st day of his captivity. "He has been in a tunnel for more than 410 days, without food, water, medical care or sunlight," she said in an interview on Kan Reshet B in January 2025. The last sign of life from him was in a video released on April 27, 2024. Lishay shared the heartbreaking reality of raising their two young daughters—Roni, 3, and Alma, 1 year and 9 months—in the shadow of their father's kidnapping. "I'm already too many days just 'a wife of' and 'a mother of'. These are the only roles I have—to be a hostage's wife and a mother to two little ones whose father was kidnapped before their eyes," says Miran. "They miss him very much, want him and need him." Their eldest daughter Roni has begun to ask painful questions like "Does daddy still love me?" while even little Alma, who was only six months old when her father was kidnapped, has recently started calling "Daddy" when she cries.
Eitan Mor, 24
From Jerusalem, Eitan arrived at the outdoor rave near Re'im as a security guard. His parents, who observe Shabbat, didn't even know he was at the party. He spoke with his uncle on the morning of the attack, and according to testimonies, he was still alive when captured. Eitan is the oldest of eight siblings, born and raised in Kiryat Arba before moving to the Nachlaot neighborhood in Jerusalem. He worked as a barista at a café in the Bezalel pedestrian mall in Jerusalem and dreamed of opening his own coffee shop. He was part of the security team at the Nova festival along with his friend Elikim Liebman, who was killed in the October 7 attack.
In February 2025, his family announced they had received a sign of life from him but did not provide details about its nature. In a statement, they wrote, according to a report in Haaretz, "We pray for the return of all the hostages including our son Eitan."
19. Tamir Nimrodi, 20
From Nirit, Tamir was a military education NCO at the Gaza Coordination and Liaison Command when he was captured on October 7. His mother Herut has not received any sign of life from him since his abduction, which distinguishes his family from many others. "I only have his face from the kidnapping, and it doesn't leave me," she told Haaretz in February 2025. "This child just started his life, and I'm troubled by the question of whether I equipped him with the tools to deal with something like this, to protect his soul in such a terrible situation." The weeks before October 7 were a time of fulfillment of her dream as a mother, seeing her son at his peak after years of struggling with attention disorders. "He suddenly found purpose and meaning," she says. "He cared for all the soldiers in the base, saw himself developing in the education system, even interviewed for an officer position. There's no greater gift for a mother than seeing her child becoming a man, like a cocoon turning into a butterfly, and now I can let go." But Herut cannot let go. She has been holding onto her son's fate for 489 days, taking each day as it comes: "Maybe that's what Tamir is doing in captivity too, thinking about how to survive each day. There's no other way to get through what we're going through."
Yosef Chaim Ohana, 23
From Kiryat Malachi, Yosef was at the outdoor rave near Re'im when he was taken hostage during the October 7 attacks. Relatives say he and his friends at the party began helping the wounded, transferring them to medics and ambulances, before he was captured. In February 2025, his aunt Hana Mustronov revealed in an interview with Ynet: "We have clear indications that he is alive." Mustronov declined to reveal the source of the information but emphasized the urgency of the situation: "Anyone who looks at Eli Sharabi [a released hostage] understands—I don't know if he would have survived a few more weeks in captivity. It's time to wake up, there's no time—they must come back today." She added that "Yosef Chaim is a strong person, but even his strength has limits." In a sharp appeal to government members, she said: "We're a traditional family, Yosef Chaim is traditional. On the faith level—where are we missing the point? Smotrich and Ben Gvir—on the faith level—where are you?"
Alon Ohel, 24
From Lavon, Alon was attending the outdoor rave near Re'im when he was taken hostage during the attack. About a month before the party, he had returned from a six-month trip to the East. He arrived at the festival with four friends at 5:30 in the morning.
According to testimony from recently freed hostages who were held with him, Alon has shrapnel wounds in his eye, shoulder, and arm that have gone untreated during his captivity. His mother Idit revealed in an emotional interview with Channel 12 that he has been kept chained up in Hamas tunnels, severely malnourished with at most one pita a day to eat for over a year. She stated that he reportedly has limited vision in his wounded eye, only able to see shadows.
Alon, a pianist who turns 24 in captivity and had plans to study jazz in Tel Aviv, was abducted alongside Or Levy, Eliya Cohen, and Hersh Goldberg-Polin (who was later murdered in captivity), according to his mother's interview. Idit Ohel told The Times of Israel that Alon comes from a family with roots of resilience—his grandparents survived difficult circumstances during the Second World War.
Avinathan Or, 32
From Tel Aviv, Avinatan was attending the outdoor rave near Re'im when he was captured by Hamas. He is the second of seven siblings, grew up in Shiloh and lived in Tel Aviv. A video of his kidnapping alongside his girlfriend Noa Argamani became one of the most widely shared images from October 7, showing her desperately crying out as they were separated onto different motorcycles. In February 2025, Noa, who was rescued in Operation Arnon, addressed the UN Security Council: "Until Avinatan returns, my heart is in captivity," she told the ambassadors. "My name is Noa Argamani. I was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from the Nova Festival along with my boyfriend, Avinatan Or. We were taken to Gaza by force, separated, and entered hell on earth. I held Avinatan's hand as long as I could, but in one moment of terror – we were torn apart from each other and dragged into the unknown." She pleaded for the implementation of all stages of the ceasefire deal, stating: "Every moment feels like the last moment of their lives, every second counts."
23. Natthapong Pinta, 35
A foreign worker from Thailand, Natthapong was working in the avocado plantation in Kibbutz Nir Oz when he was taken hostage during the October 7 attacks. He had moved to Israel in 2022, drawn by the higher salaries to improve his family's financial situation. His wife Narissara Jantasang and their nine-year-old son Weerapat Pinta anxiously await news of his return in Nakhon Phanom, northeastern Thailand. When five Thai hostages were released in January 2025 but Natthapong wasn't among them, his son went to bed without dinner. "I feel hurt, why was it not him?" Narissara told The Guardian. "I don't know where to find an answer. Nobody can answer." She tries to comfort her son, telling him: "Keep strong – let's wait for dad." When the boy asks how long, she says: "Maybe next Saturday, there might be a release." Natthapong is the last remaining Thai hostage in Gaza after dozens were either released or confirmed killed in the October 7 attacks.
24. Matan Zangauker, 25
Kidnapped from his home in Nir Oz along with his partner Ilana Gritzewsky, who was later released. They met while working at a cannabis farm in Nir Oz. Matan wanted to transition to high-tech and work with digital currencies, while Ilana had previously worked in security, as a pastry chef, and as a paramedic. She is a few years older than Matan and says she was the one who made the first move. They had been together for three years when they were kidnapped. During the attack, they ran together until they reached their neighbors' balcony, where Ilana froze while Matan ran in another direction. In a moving Haaretz article, Ilana, who survived 50 days in Hamas captivity, described her ongoing fight to return her "beautiful curls" Matan, as she called him. Until that happens, her heart will not be whole and her true recovery cannot begin, she told Haaretz’s Bar Peleg. "Her body is here in Israel, her soul and beloved still in Gaza," the article states. When she talks about her love still in captivity, she recalls the small moments they shared. "I'm not asking for more than that. I want to start the day with him with coffee, with the quiet. Walking with our dog. I want to eat dinner with him at home. I want to go to sleep with the one I love and not climb the walls."
Hostages confirmed deceased, remains not recovered
25. Tamir Adar, 38
From Nir Oz, Tamir was killed while fighting against the Hamas invasion of Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. His fate was not known for several months, until his family was informed on January 5 that he had been killed in the attack and his body kidnapped to Gaza, where it remains. The family sat shiva for Tamir.
On the morning of October 7, Tamir set out to support the kibbutz's local security team when news of the invasion began to arrive. He told his wife and children to stay locked in their reinforced room. His grandmother, Yaffa Adar, was also kidnapped that day — immortalized in one of the most enduring images of the attack — and released 48 days later.
Tamir was a third-generation kibbutznik, born and raised in Nir Oz. Described in a post by the Kibbutz as a "family man, who loved nature and people." he was also a devoted fan of Maccabi Tel Aviv and was always surrounded by friends. In recent years, he had fulfilled his lifelong dream of working in agriculture in Nir Oz after previously working for the Ramon Foundation — established in memory of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon. At the Ramon Foundation, he worked in a local school, where he was described as a "role model and source of inspiration" who, according to the foundation, "worked with great dedication, and invested deep thought in every process, becoming a significant figure not just for the kids but for all of us." Tamir is survived by his wife, Hadas, children Asaf, 7, and Neta, 3, his parents Yael and Moshe, and three siblings, Nir, Inbar and Roni, as well as several grandparents. His mother wrote in Maariv, "We have been doing everything in our power to bring Tamir home to be buried here, in the land he loved, the land of Nir Oz. Tamir is worthy of this. Tamir believed that he was doing the right thing because we are all responsible for each other."
26. Sgt. Maj. Mhamad El Atrash, 39
Sgt. Maj. Mhamad El Atrash, 39, a tracker in the Gaza Division and resident of Sa'awa in the Negev, was killed in battle with Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, and his body was taken to Gaza. The IDF confirmed his death on June 24, 2024, based on findings collected in the field. Married to two women, Mhamad leaves behind 13 children, the youngest of whom was born just nine months before his death. The family learned he was abducted only in December.
Wahid Alhuzail, head of the Bedouin society's casualty forum, expressed the community's grief, stating, "During the war we accompanied the family members. It was difficult for them after Muhammad was kidnapped and they did not know what happened to him. Unfortunately, he was murdered. The children were waiting for their father. We hope that those who are alive will return safe and sound and those who died will return for burial. It's a tragic event." Alhuzail noted that Alatrash was killed in the early stages of the war, adding that "there is little consolation in the fact that he was not tortured."
Mhamad's cousin told Ynet, "Our lives have not been back to normal since Mohammad did not return home from the first day of the war. It is not easy for us to cope with such a difficult situation, especially because we do not know if he is alive or dead. We hope to receive good news that will bring happiness to all of us. The children ask about their father every day, and we have no way to provide answers."
Aviv Atzili, 49
From Nir Oz, Aviv was initially thought to be taken hostage on October 7, but his family was informed of his death on November 30, 2023. His partner, Liat, was released by Hamas on November 29 during the hostage exchange.
Aviv was a member of the kibbutz's security squad and fought against Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attack. Two hours after the attack began, at 8:27 A.M., he recorded a calm voice message to his children saying, "There are a few guys here inside the kibbutz. We took out a few, we're searching [for more]. Stay locked inside, drink water. We'll be okay." It appears he was killed shortly after this message, and his body was taken to Gaza. His wife Liat, his partner of 30 years, was abducted from their home soon after his death and spent 54 days in Hamas captivity before being released. She learned of Aviv's death the day after her release.
Despite having an autoimmune disease that made walking difficult, Aviv apparently managed to fight heroically on October 7. Evidence suggests he grabbed a rifle from one of the terrorists to defend the kibbutz. As Liat told Haaretz, "He died while holding a Kalashnikov and firing in every direction."
28. Sahar Baruch, 25
According to the Be'eri kibbutz website, Sahar was born to Tami and Roni Baruch in 1998 and grew up with three brothers: Guy, Idan, and Niv. A curious and quiet child, he enjoyed judo, cycling, music, and strategy games, often reading fantasy books to his younger brothers. Before enlisting in the Navy, where he served as a mechanic on a missile boat, he donated his long hair. After his service, he worked with children and in printing at Be'eri while traveling extensively, hiking the Israel Trail and exploring South America. He had been accepted to study electrical engineering at Ben-Gurion University.
On October 7, Sahar and his brother Idan were injured by grenade fragments at their mother's house. When militants set the house on fire, they tried to escape, but Sahar went back for Idan's inhaler and contact was lost. Idan was killed, while Sahar was taken to Gaza. After celebrating his 25th birthday in captivity, the family learned of his murder on the second night of Hanukkah, 62 days after his kidnapping. His body remains in Gaza.
Uriel Baruch, 35
Uriel Baruch, a 35-year-old father of two from Giv'on, just outside Jerusalem, was murdered while being held hostage in Gaza after being abducted from the rave near Re'im on October 7. His family was informed of his death by the IDF on March 26, 2024.
Uriel, survived by his wife Rachel, his two sons, his parents Naomi and Amir, and three brothers, was remembered by his family as "a happy person and loved by mankind, loved by everyone who was near him." The Hostages and Missing Families Forum described him as "a joyful person who loved life. He worked in construction and loved techno music." Known affectionately as "Badalu" by many of his friends, Uriel attended the rave with his friend, Michel Yoav, who was also killed during the Hamas attack. He was last seen in a video on social media, showing his car with his deceased friend inside as Uriel was on the ground. "We will remember his smile, the love of the person in him," his family said in a statement released via the Tikva Forum.
30. Amiram Cooper, 85
From Nir Oz, Amiram was one of the kibbutz's founders, having arrived there in 1957. Born in Haifa in 1938, he served as the chief economist of the Ma'on region, in the Westen Negev. Cooper was also a longtime poet and songwriter for over six decades, publishing three poetry books and one children's book. His creative works are preserved on the website Shira Ovedet ("Labor Poetry"). On October 7 he was abducted alongside his wife Nurit, who was released in Octoberֿ, 2023. In June 2024 his family was notified by the army that he was killed. He is survived by his wife, three children and nine grandchildren.
31. Sergeant Oz Daniel, 19
A combatant with the Givati Brigade reconnaissance unit from Kfar Saba, Sergeant Daniel was killed on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. The Israeli army announced his death on February 25, 2024. Oz was a passionate musician whose love for the guitar began at age nine. In high school, he excelled in music, completing 10 matriculation units with distinction at Galili High School's music program in Kfar Saba. His family told Ynet that Oz was considering enlisting in the distinguished musician track for but after a Memorial Day ceremony in 11th grade, he told his mother, "I want to do meaningful service. Music will wait for me." He enlisted in Battalion 77 of the 7th Brigade as a loader-radioman and had planned to attend the tank commanders' course just days after October 7.
On that morning, Oz was at the "White House" outpost with his tank crew – Omer Neutra and Shaked Dahan, who were also killed in the attack, and Nimrod Cohen, who is still held in Gaza and believed to be alive. Before his death, Oz had written that his dream was to be "rocking stages in Israel and abroad," his family said.
32. Ronen Engel, 54
From Nir Oz, Ronen was kidnapped from his home along with his wife Karina and daughters Mika and Yuval during the October 7 attack. While his family members were released in October 2023 in a hostage exchange, Ronen remained in captivity. On December 1, 2023, the IDF confirmed that he had been killed.
A photographer, motorcycle enthusiast, and Magen David Adom volunteer for about two years. "He was always smiling, Yossi Abuharon, the volunteer manager at the Ofakim Magen David Adom station, recalled: “Even when we arrived at the worst accidents – he managed to make those he cared for smile and forget their troubles for a moment.”
According to a Facebook post by the kibbutz, “He loved animals, and motorcycles, and was described as a curious and optimistic person, even tattooing the phrase "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" on his arm. He always wanted to embrace life to the fullest and was mischievous from childhood through to adulthood. In Kibbutz Nir Oz, he worked in the chicken coop and in furniture restoration, and was a warm and loving family man.” The post also stressed that "[he] fell in battle on october 7th while bravely defending his family from terrorists."
33. Meni Godard, 73
A resident of Be'eri, Meni was killed during the October 7 attacks, alongside his wife Ayelet. His body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. Born in 1950 in southern Tel Aviv, he was the son of a Holocaust survivor and a legendary Bat Yam lifeguard. At 14, he joined Kibbutz Be'eri, where he excelled in soccer, the kibbutz website says. He later served in the Armored Corps and fought in the Yom Kippur War. Afterward, he worked as a lifeguard, married Ayelet, and they eventually settled in Be'eri, raising four children. Meni held various roles in the kibbutz, managed the swimming pool, and was a beloved mentor. He and Ayelet also founded Be’eri’s poetry evenings. According to the kibbutz, Meni's superpower was his connection with people. His generosity knew no bounds. He deeply loved this country, its paths, songs, and people. Outside his home, he established an orchard that grew apples, mangoes, and Afghan berries.
34. Sergeant Major Ran Gvili, 24
A Yasam patrol unit officer from Meitar, Ran was killed on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. The Israeli army announced his death on January 30, 2024.
Gvili served in the Yasam patrol unit in the police's Negev district and was killed in battle against terrorists in Alumim during the Hamas onslaught. His death was officially declared by the chief rabbi and a team of rabbinical and health experts, based on updated findings and recovered intelligence."He fought until the last bullet injured," his mother Tali told Yinon Magal and Ben Kaspit in an interview on 103 FM, "Rani continued fighting for Kibbutz Alumim, which is why he is known as 'the protector of Alumim."
35. Gad Haggai, 73
From Nir Oz, Gad was initially presumed kidnapped. On December 22, 2023, his family was informed that he had been killed on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas.
Kibbutz Nir Oz announced his death 77 days after he was kidnapped. Gad was a father of four and grandfather to seven. He was abducted to Gaza along with his 70-year-old wife, Judy Weinstein, who was still being held captive at the time of the announcement and was the oldest woman still in Gaza. The kibbutz clarified that Gad's body was still being held in Gaza. In the first days of the war, his children identified his body in a video that was circulated at that time. They passed the information to the authorities, but were told that the evidence in the video was insufficient to determine death.
According to the kibbutz, "Gadi was a sharp-minded person and a gifted wind instrument player from the age of three. He was also connected to the land, a chef, and an advocate of healthy vegan nutrition and sports."
36. Inbar Haiman, 27
From Haifa, Inbar was kidnapped from the outdoor rave near Re'im on October 7 and was killed while being held by Hamas. Her family was informed of her death on December 16, 2023. Inbar was a visual communications student at the WIZO Academy of Design in Haifa. She was a gifted writer and artist known as "Pink" in the graffiti community. Besides writing, Inbar specialized in jewelry design and poster printing, demonstrating her versatility and passion for the arts.
The University of Haifa noted that "those fortunate enough to share in her world will remember her not only for her artistic prowess but also for her joy, inspiration, and warmth."
37. Tal Haimi, 42
A resident of Kibbutz Nir Ytzhak, Tal was killed on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. His family was informed of his death on December 13, 2023.
Tal was a third-generation member of the kibbutz. According to the kibbutz website, he was known for helping and supporting others unconditionally and had a patient, deliberate approach to tasks and was skilled at creating with his hands.
After completing school, Tal served a year in the Hashomer Hatzair movement before enlisting in the 202 Paratroopers Battalion. After his military service, he returned worked at the kibbutz dairy farm while studying mechanical engineering at Ben-Gurion University. About a decade before his death, he began working at the Raviv factory in Kibbutz Revivim. Tal was married to his highschool sweetheart and the couple had three children, the twins Einav and Nir, and their younger brother Udi.
38. Colonel Asaf Hamami, 40
Commander of the Southern Brigade in the Gaza Division from Kiryat Ono, Colonel Hamami was killed on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. The Israeli army announced his death on December 2, 2023. Hamami fell during the first hour of the Hamas attack on October 7 while fighting terrorists in Kibbutz Nirim. That Saturday morning, his 5-year-old son Alon was spending the weekend with him at the Gaza Division base. When Hamami rushed to confront the terrorists, he handed his son to soldiers at the base and instructed them to take him to safety. Hamami began his military career in the Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit, and held various positions including Deputy Commander of the Northern Brigade, Commander of the Tzabar Battalion in the Givati Brigade, and Commander of the Negev Brigade. In April 2010, he was awarded the Chief of Staff's Excellence Award by then-IDF Chief Gabi Ashkenazi. Two soldiers from his command group were also killed alongside him: SSgt. Tomer Yaakov Ahimas and Sgt. Kiril Brodsky.
At his funeral in Tel Aviv in December 2023, Kan reported, his widow Sapir said: "You were the perfect partner for me. Our deal was that you would take care of the country, and I would take care of everything else." His mother Clara noted during the eulogy that he had repeatedly warned of security threats: "You kept warning, they said you were seeing darkness—it arrived on October 7."
39. Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, 19
A combatant with the 75th Battalion, 7th Division from Netanya, Staff Sergeant Chen was killed on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. The Israeli army announced his death on March 12, 2024. hen was on active duty as part of a tank unit at the Nahal Oz army base with three other soldiers when Hamas terrorists invaded the Gaza border communities. He was last heard from at 6:40 a.m. on October 7. Itay was a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen. His father, Ruby Chen, who was born in Brooklyn, New York but moved to Israel, explained in an interview with the Daily Mail that his son had stayed at the base during the Simchat Torah holiday weekend so that he could return home for his younger brother Alon's bar mitzvah the following weekend. When his family first learned of his disappearance, the IDF informed them that he was officially considered missing in action, having not been identified in the field, in a hospital, or confirmed dead, and was most probably being held hostage in Gaza. His father described Itay as a "wonderful" son and explained that he was a basketball fanatic who idolized Kobe Bryant growing up.
40. Guy Iluz, 26
From Ra'anana, Guy was kidnapped from the rave near Re'im on October 7. A talented soundman who worked with prominent Israeli musicians including Matti Caspi, Shalom Hanoch, and the rock band Hayehudim, Guy played guitar from a young age and studied philosophy and psychology. He was wounded during the Hamas attack and, according to accounts from hostages freed in late November, he succumbed to his wounds in a Gaza hospital, apparently due to lack of medical treatment.
His death was announced on December 1, 2023. His former high school, Mor Metro-West High School in Ra'anana wrote of him in a Facebook post: "Guy was a person of love, joy, and laughter. A beloved man who connected with everyone, and everyone connected with him. Music accompanied Guy throughout his life until the day he died."
Ofra Keidar, 70
From Be'eri, Ofra was out for her usual 5 AM walk on the morning of October 7, when she encountered terrorists. At first her fate was unknown, until two months later, when it was confirmed that she had been killed while being held by Hamas.
After her military service, she volunteered at Kibbutz Alrom, where she met Sami, whom she later married. Sami was killed that day in their home. The couple settled in Be'eri, where Ofra worked in the dairy barn for about 30 years, responsible for caring for newborn calves. According to the kibbutz website, she was known for her exceptional physical strength, quiet demeanor, diligence and precision. After the kibbutz’s dairy relocated, she worked at the kibbutz kindergarten for 15 years, continuing even after reaching retirement age. She loved sports, crossword puzzles, spending time with her grandchildren, animals, gardening, flowers, and music – especially Elvis Presley and Paul Anka. She is survived by her three children Elad, Oren and Yael and her grandchildren.
42. Eitan Levy, 53
A taxi driver from Bat Yam, Eitan encountered terrorists on his way to Be'eri. He was killed on October 7 at the outdoor rave near Re'im. His body was taken to Gaza by Hamas.
The Bat Yam municipality announced that he had died on December 8, 2023.
Eitan, 52, had left home at 6 a.m. on October 7 to take a passenger to Kibbutz Be'eri. According to his only son Shahar, Eitan picked up a passenger at 6:15 a.m. and arrived in Be'eri around 7:15 a.m. The passenger had requested the ride the night before, which was an unusual fare for him according to his sister Sigalit Farshel who told Ynet "my brother doesn't know how to say no." Eitan had spoken to his son around 7 a.m. as he was dropping off his passenger. About 15 minutes later, he called again to report the missile attack, shouting, "Help, it landed on the roof of my car," referring to one of the drones Hamas used in their attack. Shahar could hear voices arguing and Arabic being spoken in the background. When terrorists approached Eitan, his sister said he uttered "Oy" in a small, quiet voice.
43. Sergeant Shay Levinson, 19
A combatant with the 7th Division, 77th Battalion from Giv'at Avni, Sergeant Levinson was killed on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. The Israeli army announced his death on January 21, 2024. Shay displayed extraordinary courage and determination during the fierce battles of October 7, Maariv reported. As a tank commander in the 77th Battalion, Sa'ar Golan Formation, he and his crew bravely fought off dozens of terrorists who breached the border, eliminating about 15 of them with shell fire. Despite being outnumbered and targeted by anti-tank missiles that set their tank ablaze, Guy refused to surrender. He continued leading the battle until his last moments, as the terrorists ultimately managed to approach and overtake the vehicle. His heroism and steadfastness in the face of overwhelming odds remain a testament to his bravery and dedication.
Guy was for six years a key player for M.S. Eilabun’s volleyball team, excelling in the opposite hitter position and even winning a national youth championship. Sports 5 reported that volleyball ran in his family—his mother and brother had also played for the club, and his younger sister followed in his footsteps. More than just an athlete, Guy was embraced by the Arab village of Eilabun, where he was seen as part of the community. His coach, Samaan Samaan, described him as an inseparable member of the team, emphasizing the bonds of coexistence that transcended backgrounds.
44. Eliyahu (Churchill) Margalit, 75
From Nir Oz, Eliyahu was kidnapped from his home on October 7 and was killed while being held by Hamas. His family was informed of his death on December 1, 2023.
His given name was Eli Margalit, but except for his wife Dafna, everyone called him Churchill. He was born in Tel Aviv's Yad Eliyahu neighborhood and later joined Kibbutz Nir Oz with a Hashomer Hatzair Nahal group.
Churchill was a unique kibbutz member who always worked outside the kibbutz as well, ensuring he had both money and a vehicle at a time when most kibbutz members had to register for communal car use. He was one of Israel's largest calf breeders, described by his friend Gilad Sharon (son of former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon) in a Ynet article as "a Greek Zorba in the western Negev version" - a larger-than-life figure with a wild beard who embodied a childlike goodness and love for animals. He had a special connection with animals: a cow named Petra that would come running to him when called, and four horses that he adored despite their various problems. His family included his wife Dafna and their children Noa, Danny, and Nili (who was released from captivity in Gaza). Beyond his biological family, Churchill had a second family in his horse-riding group, with whom he traveled extensively in Israel and abroad.
On October 7, at 7:30 a.m., even as the kibbutz was under attack, Churchill insisted on going to the stable to feed his beloved horses. There, terrorists murdered him. As Sharon wrote: "He simply wouldn't allow them to remain hungry."
45. Joshua Loitu Mollel, 21
An agronomy student from Tanzania, Joshua was working as an agricultural intern at Kibbutz Nahal Oz near the Gaza border as part of an "Agricultural Internship Program" agreement between the governments of Israel and Tanzania. He was taken hostage during the Hamas attack on October 7. After months of uncertainty about his fate, the Tanzanian Foreign Affairs Minister January Makamba announced on December 13, 2023, that the Israeli government had confirmed Joshua's death, ABC News reported. According to the announcement, Joshua was killed immediately after being captured by Hamas.
The Tanzanian government maintained close contact with his family throughout the ordeal and planned to send his father, along with another family member and government officials, to Israel to meet with authorities and gather more information about his death. His body is believed to still be held by Hamas in Gaza. Joshua was the second Tanzanian national confirmed killed in the October 7 attacks, along with Clemence Mtenga. Eyat Shlein, Head of Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), expressed sorrow at the news of his death, highlighting the international dimensions of the tragedy.
46. Captain Omer Maxim Neutra, 21
Captain Omer Maxim Neutra, 21, an American-Israeli citizen and tank platoon commander in the IDF, was killed during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, near Kibbutz Nir Oz. His death was confirmed by the Israeli military on December 2, 2024, after he was initially believed to be alive and held hostage in Gaza.
Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Omer chose to serve in the IDF, standing "in the defense of our people," according to Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that Neutra "fell in a heroic battle near Nir Oz on October 7," one of the communities most devastated by the attacks. Remembered by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum as someone who "loved sports, playing soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and served as the captain of his school's sports teams," Omer was described by family and friends as "a warm, optimistic, and caring individual who 'lights up the room the moment he enters.'" Just weeks before the announcement of his death, Omer's parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra, spoke to CNN, sharing the pain of facing their second Thanksgiving without their son. Believing him to be alive, they had hoped that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon would create an opportunity to secure his release, expressing disappointment that it was not combined with a hostage deal. In response to the news, US President Joe Biden expressed being "devastated and outraged," recalling that Omer's parents had recently joined him at the White House.
47. Sonthaya Oakkharasri, 30
A Thai foreign worker killed in Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7, Sonthaya's body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. His family in Thailand was informed of his death on May 17, 2024.
Sonthaya had been working in Israel for five years and had just received a five-month contract extension before the war erupted. His mother Amorn, who lives in Nong Bua Lamphu province, shared that she had believed for the past seven months that her son was still alive.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed that he was "deeply saddened" by the confirmation of Sonthaya's death and offered his condolences to the family, the Nation reported. The Israeli army stated that Sonthaya had worked in agriculture on plantations near Kibbutz Be'eri, one of the communities hardest hit in the October 7 attack.
Sonthaya's family urged the government and international community to facilitate the release of the remaining hostages so that other families would not have to undergo their experience.
48. Dror Or, 48
A resident of Be'eri, Dror was killed on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. His death was announced on May 2, 2024. He was abducted from his home in Be'eri along with his children Alma and Noam, and his nephew Liam. His wife Yonat was murdered in their home during the attack on the kibbutz. His eldest son Yaheli, who was not at home at the time, survived.
Dror was a chef who specialized in dairy cuisine and worked at the Be'eri dairy producing boutique cheeses. His 17-year-old son Noam and 13-year-old daughter Alma were released from captivity during the second phase of the hostage deal on November 25, 2023. His nephew Liam was released on November 29, 2023. After being released from captivity, Alma shared on Instagram that she only discovered her mother Yonat had been murdered in the attack after she returned from Gaza. "I wanted so much to believe you were alive, and when I came back I discovered the worst thing that could happen to me in life," she wrote alongside a photo of them together.
49. Jonatan Mordechai Samerano, 21
From Tel Aviv, Jonatan was at the outdoor rave near Re'im when the attack began. He fled to Kibbutz Be'eri but was kidnapped to Gaza. His family was informed of his death on December 3, 2023. On the morning of the attack on October 7, Jonatan was at the rave. He tried to flee to safety in Kibbutz Be'eri, but he was shot by terrorists there and his body was taken to Gaza. Jonatan, known as a talented DJ, left behind his parents Ayelet and Kobi, and his brother Yair. His family described him to Haaretz’s Ofer Aderet as a "magical child, surrounded by friends, a DJ who just wanted to make music, develop, be happy and travel. So many dreams he dreamed of fulfilling."
Yossi Sharabi, 53
From Be'eri, Yossi was kidnapped from his home on October 7 when Hamas terrorists broke into his family's safe room. In an act of selflessness, he asked the militants to take him and spare his children. He was taken captive along with his daughter Yuval's boyfriend, Ophir Engel, and a teenager named Amit Shani—both of whom were later released after 54 days. Yossi lived next door to his brother Eli, who was also kidnapped that day while his wife Lian and daughters Noya and Yahel were murdered. Eli was eventually released in February 2025.
In a heroic act, Yossi's wife Nira managed to save their daughters, Yuval, Ophir, and Oren by breaking into a partially burned home where they hid for 12 hours until IDF forces arrived.
During the 102 days Yossi spent in captivity, his family held onto hope, but on January 16, 2024, they received the devastating news of his death. Yossi’s niece Rotem Sharabi described Yossi, in an interview with Ynet, as "the essence of goodness" and “a patriotic man who loved extreme sports, surfing, and traveled the world for adventure.”
Yossi grew up in Tel-Aviv, opting to move to the kibbutz some 30 years ago. He worked as the marketing manager for Be'eri Printing.
51. Idan Shtivi, 28
From Ein Hayam, Idan was presumed kidnapped following the October 7 attacks. On October 7, 2024, the one-year anniversary of the attack, his family was informed that he had been killed on the day of the attack and that his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas.
Idan had come to the rave near Re'im to take pictures of his friends who were conducting workshops there. When the attacks began, he helped two people escape before he was kidnapped. The Tikva Forum, which represents some hostage families, wrote “"Idan was murdered while giving his all to help and save the lives of others – and that is how we will remember him."
Idan studied environmental sciences at Reichman University's School of Sustainability. "I have never known someone as beloved as Idan,” his partner, Stav Levi, wrote of him, “he was a person of kindness and generosity, always putting others before himself."
Idan left behind his parents, Eli and Dalit, three siblings, and his partner, Stav.
52. Captain Daniel Perez, 22
A combatant with the 7th Division, 77th Battalion from Yad Binyamin, Captain Perez was killed on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. The Israeli army announced his death on March 17, 2024. According to his father, Rabbi Doron Perez, in an article in the Jerusalem Post, Daniel was an officer and commander of his tank crew, stationed at the Nahal Oz army base on October 7. He and his crew fought courageously for two and a quarter hours, from 6:45 a.m. to 9 a.m., working to prevent the first two waves of terrorists from entering the base and nearby kibbutz. In their final battle, seeing hordes of terrorists on motorbikes crossing the border, they bravely left the safety of their tank position to cut them off. After a valiant fight, their tank was overrun.
One crewmate, Tomer, was found dead in the tank that day, while Daniel and two other crewmates, Itai and Matan, were taken captive. After 163 days of uncertainty, Daniel was declared dead, with his death determined to have occurred on October 7. His body remains held by Hamas. Rabbi Perez shared that Daniel left behind remarkable gifts, including a diary revealing his deep commitment to service. In it, Daniel wrote about his reflections on a high school trip to Poland's death camps and the privilege of defending Israel, stating "If not me, then who?" He also deeply valued friendship, described by his father as "a genius of friendship" with hundreds of friends, many of whom were convinced they were his best friend. This brotherhood carried into his military service, where he exhibited profound dedication to his fellow soldiers and country.
53. Sudthisak Rinthalak, 43
A Thai worker killed in Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7, Sudthisak's body was taken to Gaza. His family was informed of his death on May 17, 2024. Sudthisak had been working on a farm in Israel since August 2017. His parents, Thong Ma and Orn, who live in Nong Khai province, told the Straits Times that they hope that his son's body or ashes could be returned to Thailand for proper funeral ceremonies, otherwise the family would have to settle for only a merit-making ceremony in front of his photo.
The Nong Khai labor office stated that the families of the deceased workers would receive 50,000 baht in compensation specifically provided by the Thai government for victims of the Israel-Hamas war, as well as about 70,000 baht compensation as part of benefits for workers in foreign countries. The deaths of Sonthaya and Sudthisak raised to 35 the number of Thai workers killed in Israel since the conflict erupted, making Thailand one of the foreign countries with the highest number of fatalities in the ongoing conflict.
54. Lior Rudaeff, 61
From Nir Yitzhak, Lior was an active member of the kibbutz's emergency preparedness team who was killed on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. A generous man with a huge heart, he had volunteered as an ambulance driver in the Eshkol Regional Council for 40 years, always ready to lend a hand to those in need.
In a statement issued by his kibbutz, translated by Ynet, Lior was described as Argentine at heart, an avid cyclist, and an admirer of Shlomo Artzi. Lior was married to Yafa for 38 years, father to Noam, Nadav, Bar and Ben, and grandfather to Tomer, Dagan and Shai." He was also known for his involvement in organizing Independence Day celebrations, including coordinating fireworks displays. For months after October 7, his family believed he was being held hostage, with his son Nadav participating in advocacy efforts including meeting with Elon Musk in a gathering facilitated by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. His death was confirmed by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum on July 5, 2024.
55. Judy Weinstein-Haggai, 70
The wife of Gad Haggai, whose remains are also still held in Gaza, and a resident of Nir Oz, Judy was presumed kidnapped. On December 28, 2023, her family learned that she had been killed on October 7, and her body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. Kibbutz Nir Oz announced her death about a week after the announcement of her husband's death. Judy was 70 years old, a mother of four and grandmother to seven.
She was an English teacher who specialized in working with children with special needs and attention disorders. She used meditation and mindfulness techniques to help children in the Gaza envelope region who were experiencing anxiety due to the security situation. The Israeli national broadcaster Kan reported that members of the kibbutz described her as a poet, entrepreneur, and creative person who was dedicated to peace and brotherhood.
Judy was injured during the October 7 massacre and was initially believed to have been taken captive while wounded. It was later revealed that she was killed that same day.
56. Ilan Weiss, 56
A resident of Be'eri, Ilan was killed during the October 7 attacks, and his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas. Ilan was born on November 3, 1967, in Holon. He was the first child of his mother Miki, a native Israeli, and the third child of his father Avri, a Holocaust survivor who came to Israel from Hungary as a teenager. Ilan worked in agriculture, specializing in cotton cultivation and plant protection. In 1992, he moved to Kibbutz Be'eri, where he met Shiri, whom he married in 1995. Together they had three daughters: Meital, Ma'ayan, and Noga. In their obituary of him on the kibbutz website, his fellow kibbutz members described him as “a devoted family man who gave everything to his wife and daughters.” Shiri and Noga were abducted by Hamas that day and were released 50 days later.
Throughout his years at the kibbutz, Ilan held various roles including working in printing, managing the kibbutz store, and eventually becoming the infrastructure manager of the kibbutz—a position he deeply enjoyed. He was also the deputy head of the kibbutz emergency team for four years.
57. Yair Yaakov, 59
From Nir Oz, Yair, who was known by his friends as “Yaya,” was described by the members of his kibbutz in their announcement of his death as "a humble, simple man who loved family, the land, and music." On October 7, terrorists entered his home, and at 9:20 a.m., his partner Meirav Tal sent a message saying that Yair was trying to hold the safe room door shut to fend off the attackers. Video later showed that the terrorists used grenades to force open the door.
His partner Meirav, and his two sons, Or (16) and Yagil (12), were also taken hostage, though they had been in a different home in the kibbutz that day. While his family members were later released – the boys after 52 days in captivity and Meirav the following day – Yair's fate remained unknown for months. The Hostages Family Forum described him as "a family man with a huge heart, always willing to help everyone. He was energetic and loved enjoying life." On February 15, 2024, his family was informed that he had been killed on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza by Hamas.
58. Arye Zalmanovich, 86
From Nir Oz, Arye was one of the oldest victims of the October 7 attacks, kidnapped from his home and taken to Gaza. A long-time kibbutz member since 1957, he was a father of two and grandfather of five who had dedicated his life to the community.
During his abduction, he was beaten and taken without his glasses or hearing aid. According to fellow hostage Farhan al-Qadi, who was rescued and later contacted Arye's son Boaz, Arye was held in a hospital in southern Gaza for the first few weeks of his captivity. He formed a special bond with al-Qadi, who provided emotional support to him.
Al-Qadi was rescued from captivity, and revealed that Arye died by his side 40 days after he was abducted. On December 1, 2023, Kibbutz Nir Oz announced they were notified by the authorities of his death. His son Boaz told Ynet that his father had been "murdered by torment of the body and mind," noting that he didn't receive the medicine or care he needed. Arye was a farmer his entire life. He was survived by his two sons and five grandchildren.
Conclusion
As negotiations for the remaining hostages continue, families hold onto hope while mourning those confirmed deceased. International mediators, including representatives from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, continue to work toward a resolution that would see all hostages returned – whether alive or for burial. For the families of these individuals, time stands still as they await news of their loved ones, living in a perpetual state of uncertainty and grief.
The official count stands at 59 hostages still held in Gaza: 24 believed to be alive and 35 confirmed deceased whose remains have not been returned, including Lieutenant Hadar Goldin's body has been held by Hamas since the 2014 conflict, bringing the total number of Israelis whose remains are in Gaza to 36.
With each passing day, the hostage families' pain deepens. After several failed ceasefire attempts and partial hostage release deals, many families have begun to lose hope. During protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, they can often be seen holding signs showing the number of days their loved ones have been in captivity - a number that has now surpassed 500 days. As Silvia Cunio, mother of Ariel and David, expressed at a protest outside the Prime Minister's Office: "I'm sitting here asking not to leave my children and everyone else's children and all the hostages behind. I'm asking you to be with me and for us to succeed in doing this as quickly as possible."
The hostage crisis remains one of the most emotionally charged aspects of the ongoing conflict, with regular demonstrations in Israel calling for the government to prioritize their return. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations continue to appeal for proof of life for those believed to still be alive and for the dignified treatment of the deceased in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Elon Gilad is an Israeli author, journalist, and linguist. His work focuses on uncovering the historical roots of contemporary issues, particularly in current affairs, Jewish history, and the Hebrew language. Gilad is the author of "The Secret History of Judaism." His analytical pieces draw on his diverse background to provide unique insights into today's complex issues, explaining current situations through the lens of historical development.