The Jewish community, Israelis (of every faith) and people around the world are devastated. Six beautiful, young, contributing members of the global society have been killed (just days ago) after 11 months of Hamas captivity. Their families and friends have been tirelessly advocating for their release.
According to Israel’s Health Ministry, the bodies showed signs of multiple gunshot wounds, as determined by an examination conducted at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute. The ministry reported that the hostages were killed approximately 48 to 72 hours before their autopsy, suggesting the murders occurred between Thursday (Aug. 29th and Friday (Aug. 30th) morning. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated Hamas “brutally murdered” them shortly before the Israeli troops arrived, potentially just a day or two prior to their discovery.
The Hostages Families Forum noted that these hostages had endured the horrors of captivity before their lives were cruelly taken, and they lamented that had negotiations for their release not been delayed, these hostages might still be alive today. The forum reiterated their urgent call for the swift and safe return of all remaining hostages.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, born in the United States and the son of Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, immigrated to Israel with his family at the age of seven. On October 7th, he attended the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im, where he was severely injured during the initial Hamas attack. Despite sustaining a serious arm injury, Hersh managed to apply a tourniquet to himself. In a video released by Hamas in April, Hersh was shown with an amputated hand, highlighting the grave nature of his condition while in captivity. His family worked tirelessly for his return, addressing American and Israeli officials, International news outlets and running social media campaigns for him and all the hostages. Their worst fears were confirmed when his body was recovered.
Eden Yerushalmi, a 24-year-old from Tel Aviv, was a vibrant and lively young woman with a passion for the beach, paddleball, and social gatherings. She was studying to become a Pilates instructor and was working as a bartender at the Nova festival on October 7th when she was abducted. During the Hamas attack, Eden sent a video of the rocket fire to her family’s group chat, informing them that she was trying to leave the festival. For four agonizing hours, she remained in contact with her sisters, describing her terrifying attempt to escape. Her final, heartbreaking words to her sister Shani were, “They’ve caught me.” Eden’s untimely death has left a void in the lives of her family and friends.
Ori Danino, a 25-year-old from Jerusalem, was the eldest of five siblings and known for his ambition and deep love for nature. He was planning to start his academic studies in electrical engineering and was beloved by everyone who knew him for his caring and resourceful nature. On October 7th, Ori was kidnapped from the Nova festival while heroically attempting to help others escape the attack. His partner, Liel, and his family had hoped for his safe return, but Ori’s life was tragically cut short in captivity.
Alexander Lobanov, a 32-year-old from Ashkelon, was a devoted family man, married to Michal, and father to two young children, including a five-month-old baby born while he was in captivity. Alex worked as a bar manager at the Nova festival and was known for his selflessness. Witnesses reported that he helped evacuate others from the festival grounds, running with five others through the Be’eri forest before being captured by Hamas terrorists. His courage in the face of danger was a testament to his character.
Carmel Gat, a 40-year-old occupational therapist from Tel Aviv, was renowned for her compassion and love for helping others. The daughter of Eshel and Kinneret, Carmel was also a traveler who enjoyed meeting new people and attending live rock music concerts. On October 7th, while staying at her parents’ home in Kibbutz Be’eri, she was kidnapped around 10:00 AM by Hamas terrorists. Her mother, Kinneret, was murdered during the attack. For weeks, there was no sign of Carmel’s fate until testimonies from returned hostages described her as a ‘guardian angel’ who used meditation and yoga to help others survive the ordeal.
Almog Sarusi, a 27-year-old from Ra’anana, was a lively and positive individual who had a passion for traveling around Israel in his white jeep, often with his guitar. Almog was kidnapped from the Nova festival, where he was with his girlfriend of five years, Shahar. Shahar was killed during the attack, and Almog stayed by her side, trying to help when she was wounded, before being captured by Hamas. Almog’s dedication to those he loved and his unyielding spirit were hallmarks of his character.
U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, after learning of their son’s death at the hands of Hamas. Hersh was one of six hostages recently killed and was among the last eight hostages holding dual Israeli-American citizenship. Biden expressed his condolences to the grieving parents, describing the news of Hersh’s death as heartbreaking and tragic. Hersh’s body was returned to Israel by the IDF, and his funeral is set to take place at Har Hamenuchot in Jerusalem. The conversation between Biden and Hersh’s parents occurred shortly after his remains were recovered from Gaza.
Tel Aviv has become the epicenter of nationwide protests demanding an immediate deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv, with many carrying coffins to symbolize their frustration and urge the government to take action. Protests blocked roads, including the entrance to Jerusalem and the Ayalon Highway, as calls for a swift resolution grew louder. The demonstrations intensified after the IDF confirmed the discovery of six hostages’ bodies in Gaza. Families of the hostages and other prominent figures were scheduled to speak at the protests, organized by the Hostage Family Forum. In Tel Aviv, The Lev Cinemas chain and the Tel Aviv Cinematheque announced they would close on Sunday evening to honor the six hostages recently killed and returned to Israel. Both organizations expressed their condolences and canceled screenings as a mark of respect for the victims and their families. Other cinemas are operating as usual.
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