In a special joint operation by the Shin Bet and the IDF in the Gaza Strip, the bodies of hostages Judy Weinstein-Hagai and Gadi Hagai z”l were returned to Israel overnight (Wednesday to Thursday). The two had been held by the murderous terrorist organization Hamas.
The couple were kidnapped from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of the massacre. About two and a half months after the Hamas attack, it was announced that Gadi had been murdered on October 7. A week later, the kibbutz confirmed that his partner, Judy, had also been murdered. They leave behind four children and seven grandchildren.
“We Talked About Peace”
Shuli Victor, a member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was a neighbor of Judy and Gadi Hagai z”l for many years. In an interview with RegaNEWS, Shuli shared memories of the couple and their special character.
Over time, a close friendship developed between them. “If I ever needed help, I knew exactly who to turn to,” Shuli recalled. “I enjoyed talking to Judy about art and to Gadi about food. They were people who appreciated peace and culture. They always spoke about peace, about how to do good and stay engaged in positive action.”
Kind and Peaceful People
Over the years, Shuli witnessed the full and meaningful lives Judy and Gadi led. “I remember Judy biking to work, and Gadi on his mountain bike. They were people hungry for knowledge. Both of them believed in peace, in culture, in sports. I want them to be remembered as kind, peaceful people, people of peace. They never harmed anyone. They just wanted to live quietly and enjoy their children and grandchildren.”
“Forgive Me for Not Speaking Out”
Following the recovery of their bodies from Hamas, Shuli expressed some sense of relief knowing they had been returned to their family. “I’m glad their bodies were brought home—especially for their close relatives, who can now visit their graves,” he said.
Even with that comfort, he expressed pain at the realization that the lessons had come too late: “If I could speak to them now, I would ask Judy and Gadi for forgiveness—for not speaking out. For remaining silent for 20 years while attacks from Gaza continued. For relying on bomb shelters instead of demanding action to bring quiet to our region.”
“Bring Them All Home”
Shuli concluded with a plea to end the violence: “I want to use this platform to call for an end to the war and the return of the hostages. All of them. There’s no time. They’ve suffered enough—and so have their families.”
