In the fifth wave of releases, Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levy, and Eli Sharabi were freed after 491 days in Hamas captivity. Upon their arrival in Israel, serious concerns were raised about their health due to severe signs of starvation.
The three hostages returned to Israel today (Saturday) after being released from Hamas captivity. They were transferred into the hands of the IDF and Shin Bet before entering Israeli territory. Following their arrival, they were immediately taken to a hospital for medical examinations and further evaluation.
Watch the emotional moment Ohad and Or were freed:
Who Are the Released Hostages?
Or Levy
Age: 31 | Hometown: Givatayim
Or Levy was among the attendees at the Nova music festival with his wife, Einav Elkaim Levy. The couple tried to escape to a bomb shelter near Kibbutz Re’im, but Einav was murdered on the spot, and Or was taken hostage to Gaza.
On October 7, their three-year-old son, Almog, was staying with family members and was miraculously saved. Or’s mother, Geula Levy, shared her overwhelming relief: “I’m bursting with excitement!” When Almog was told about his father’s release, he shouted with joy: “Daddy is coming home!”
Eli Sharabi
Age: 52 | Hometown: Kibbutz Be’eri
Eli Sharabi was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Be’eri during Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack. His family suffered an unimaginable tragedy. His wife, Lianne, and two daughters, Yahel (13) and Noya (16), were murdered that day. His brother, Yossi, was also kidnapped and later killed in Gaza.
Eli’s family fought relentlessly for his return. His sister-in-law, Nira Sharabi, shared: “We are all waiting and excited to see him again.”
Eli arrived in Kibbutz Be’eri at age 14 as an orphan, becoming an inseparable part of the community. Over the years, he served in key financial roles, including as treasurer and economic coordinator for the kibbutz.
Ohad Ben Ami
Age: 56 | Hometown: Kibbutz Be’eri
Ohad Ben Ami was kidnapped alongside his wife, Raz, from their home. The couple hid in their shelter for hours before Hamas terrorists broke in. Raz was released in a previous hostage deal after 54 days in captivity but Ohad remained in Gaza for over a year. Since her release, Raz and their three daughters – Ela, Yuli, and Natali – campaigned tirelessly for his return.
“Daddy, hold on. We are waiting for you!” they said repeatedly in their messages to him. Ohad was a dedicated accountant and a pillar of his kibbutz community. In his free time, he loved cycling with a close-knit group of friends. Since his abduction, his friends refused to ride together, waiting for the day he would return.
Watch as the Air Force Prepared for the Hostages’ Arrival:
“We Maintain High Readiness”
Last Shabbat, hostages Yarden Bibas, Keith Siegel, and Ofer Kalderon were released from Kibbutz Nir Oz. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi emphasized: “Today, we completed the return of three more citizens. We continue to maintain high readiness across all fronts, with a special focus on Judea and Samaria.”
On Friday morning, former hostage Keith Siegel was discharged from Ichilov Medical Center, having completed all necessary medical evaluations. A short time later, Ofer Kalderon was also released from medical care and sent home.
