Days after the return of three hostages Or Levy, Ohad Ben-Ami, and Eli Sharabi, the Berman family of Kibbutz Kfar Aza announced that they have received evidence after nearly a year that their 27-year-old twin sons, Gali and Ziv – still held captive in Gaza – are alive. According to the family, this information came from hostages recently released by Hamas.
“We are finally able to breathe,” the Berman family stated. “At the same time, we are painfully aware of who is holding them and the danger they are in.” It is believed that the brothers are not being held together, but both are alive. Previously, the only ‘sign of life’ had come 52 days into the war, during the first phase of the hostage deal.
“Emily Is Afraid. I’m Going to Her” – Moments Before Their Capture
Gali and Ziv Berman were kidnapped on October 7th, just one month after celebrating their 26th birthday. Tragically, their 27th birthday took place while in captivity. The brothers were popular figures in their community, known for their courage, determination, and strong friendships. They were avid soccer fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Liverpool and played for Kfar Aza’s local team, the “Kfar Aza Foxes.”
On the morning of October 7th, the twins were in a safe room in contact with their mother Talia. At one point, Gali told his mother: “Emily is alone, and she’s afraid. I’m going to her.” He was referring to Emily Damari, another hostage who has since been released.
Since that message, the Berman family had received no information about their sons — until this past week. The Berman family has relocated to Beit Guvrin, where they now await further developments and continue to push for their sons’ safe return.
