This evening (Monday), the military wing of the Hamas terror organization released a propaganda video showing hostages Elkana Bohbot and Yosef Chaim Ohana—both alive.
Elkana Bohbot’s family confirmed the video’s release, stating, “This video is yet another proof that Elkana must come home to his family, to his wife Rivka, and to his son Re’em David.” They added, “Every day, Re’em asks about his father. When will we be able to tell him he is coming back? This child is also in a dark tunnel and captivity of his own.”
The family emphasized, “The video is a sign of life, but we want Elkana alive and home, along with all the other hostages! It’s time to end the suffering—not just of the families, but of an entire nation that wants them back.”
Elkana Bohbot: Abducted from the Nova Festival
Elkana is a resident of Mevaseret Zion, on the outskirts of Jerusalem. He was kidnapped from the Nova music festival, where he had been working. He is married to Rivka and the father of four-year-old Re’em. This past Saturday night, thousands gathered at Hostage Square to mark his 36th birthday.
At the event, Elkana’s mother, Ruhama Bohbot, addressed him: “Elkana, my love. 36 years ago today, I received the greatest gift—you. Today is your birthday, and on behalf of our entire family, I want to tell you—you are not alone. All of Israel is with you. You are strong, you are a survivor—hold on. Just a little longer, and you’ll be home with us.”
“I want to wish you an ocean of blessings, for you to be as happy as you always are. May you find points of light even in these dark and difficult days. I want to wish for a miracle, that we can hold you in our arms and never let go. I send you strength and love. I hope you can see the immense support of the people of Israel. Your friends, your family—everyone is here for you. Just a little longer, my love. I love you.”
His wife, Rivka, also spoke: “My love, today you turn 36, and even though we’re not physically together, I want you to feel my love, my strength, and my unwavering belief that we will soon embrace again. Since October 7, every day without you has been a struggle, but also proof of the love that binds us.”
Mayor of Mevaseret Zion: “We Are Strong, United, and Determined to Do Everything”
Mevaseret Zion Mayor Yoram Shimon said he spoke with Elkana’s parents, Ruhama and David Bohbot, following the release of the video. “Yesterday, we marked Elkana’s birthday with hundreds of residents, and we will continue doing everything in our power to bring him home—along with all the other hostages,” he declared.
He added, “Our hearts are broken, but we are strong and united—and above all, determined to do whatever it takes to bring our beloved Elkana home.”
“Elkana, we love you, we miss you, and we are waiting to see you back with us,” Shimon concluded.
Yosef Chaim Ohana: Always Helping His Single Mother
Yosef was also kidnapped from the Nova festival in Re’im. He had been working as a bartender at the Aryeh restaurant in Tel Aviv and dreamed of studying coaching. In the year before his abduction, he lived with his grandmother. His mother, a single parent, shared: “I am a single mother—he always helped me.”
Friends of Yosef recounted that he and his companions tried to assist the wounded, helping to evacuate them to medics and ambulances. “They tried to run toward the main road, but then the shooting started—Yosef ran right, and his friend ran left,” they said.
