A new video released Saturday by Hamas features Maksim Herkin, a 35-year-old Israeli kidnapped during the Nova music festival massacre on October 7. It is the second proof of life Hamas has released in a month, and it has sparked renewed calls for Russian intervention to secure his release.
Herkin, who resides in Tirat Carmel, made aliyah from Russia with his mother and has become the primary caretaker for his family. The last message he sent during the deadly attack read: “Mom, I’m coming home slowly but surely”—a message that became heartbreakingly final.
Tragedy at Nova, Hope from Abroad
Herkin had attended the music festival in Re’im with friends—both were killed and their bodies burned inside their car. Herkin survived only to be abducted into Gaza. He is also the father of a 3.5-year-old daughter, Monica, whom he visited in Russia just days before his kidnapping.
His mother and daughter both hold Russian citizenship, a fact that has fueled hope for mediation via Moscow. Israeli Ambassador to Russia, Simona Halperin, previously confirmed ongoing diplomatic efforts with Russian authorities.
Military Pressure Rises as Hostage Crisis Deepens
The release of the video comes at a critical time: Israel’s Security Cabinet is set to meet Sunday to approve a major escalation of ground operations in Gaza. Over the weekend, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly reviewed plans for expanded combat deployments.
A senior Israeli official involved in the meeting stated: “If Hamas refuses to release the hostages, we will escalate. Only a last-minute breakthrough can stop this.”
