After more than 600 days of pain and waiting, the bodies of Gadi Haggai and Judy Weinstein Haggai were brought back to Israel last night (Wednesday) in a military operation. The two were held by the same organization that previously held hostages Shiri Kupfer and Ariel Bibas.
The rescue operation was conducted by IDF forces under the Southern Command, in coordination with Military Intelligence (AMAN) and special forces. The operation was made possible thanks to precise intelligence gathered by the Hostage Headquarters, the Intelligence Directorate, and the Shin Bet. According to reports, the operation was launched after information was obtained from a Hamas operative interrogated by the Shin Bet.
Following an identification process conducted at the National Center of Forensic Medicine, together with the Israel Police, the Hostage and Missing Persons Team in the IDF’s Manpower Directorate notified the family and the community of Nir Oz.
Gadi Haggai
Gadi, a member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, father of 4, and grandfather of 7, was abducted and murdered at the age of 72. Gadi was known to have had a sharp mind, a gifted wind instrument musician from the age of 3, deeply connected to the land, a chef, and an advocate for healthy vegan nutrition and fitness. He was kidnapped to Gaza along with his wife, Judy Weinstein.
Judy Weinstein Haggai
Judy, a member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, mother of 4, grandmother of 7, was abducted and murdered at the age of 70. She was an English teacher that worked with special needs children from the Gaza envelope using meditation and mindfulness techniques. A poet, entrepreneur, and dedicated to creating and promoting peace and brotherhood.
Grateful for Closing the Circle
Their family said: “We are grateful for the closure and for bringing them to a proper burial in Israel. We want to thank the IDF and security forces involved in this complex rescue operation, and for fighting on our behalf for more than a year and a half. Thank you to everyone who supported, struggled, prayed, and fought for us and for all the people of Israel. That said, our hearts will not be whole until all 12 hostages from Nir Oz, and all 56 hostages, are returned.”
A Determined and Successful Operation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed the rescue operation: “Along with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts ache for the greatest of losses. May their memory be blessed. I wish to thank and commend the fighters and commanders for the determined and successful execution. We will not rest or be silent until we bring all our hostages home – both the living and the deceased.”
The State of Israel Has a Moral and National Obligation
Defense Minister Israel Katz added: “I send a hug and condolences to the families of Judy Weinstein and Gadi Haggai, who were cruelly murdered by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, and whose bodies were kidnapped to Gaza and have now been returned to Israel. I commend the IDF and Shin Bet fighters for the daring and precise operation. The State of Israel has a moral and national duty to bring back all our brothers and sisters, living and deceased, and we will continue to act resolutely until the mission is complete.”
A Grave is Not a Privilege – It’s a Basic Right
The Hostage Families Forum said in a statement following the recovery of the two hostages: “The return of Judy and Gadi is painful and heartbreaking, but it also offers some relief from uncertainty. Their return reminds all of us that it is the state’s duty to bring everyone home so that we, the families, together with all of Israel, can begin the healing and rebuilding process.”
They added: “A grave is not a privilege. A grave is a basic human right. Without it, national and personal healing is impossible. This is the meaning of camaraderie, of mutual responsibility, and of national and social resilience.”
