His Brothers’ Keeper: Liran Berman’s Emotional Plea to Save Gali and Ziv from Hamas Captivity

Liran Berman describes his twin brothers, Gali and Ziv, as "the light of every room [they] walk into." That light was tragically dimmed when the brothers were kidnapped from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during Hamas’ deadly attacks on October 7, 2023.

Gali and Ziv, lighting technicians by trade, chose an unconventional path for young Israelis in their 20s. Instead of moving to bustling cities like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, they stayed in southern Israel to help care for their father, who battles dementia and Parkinson’s disease. It’s a choice that speaks volumes about their character—a selflessness that is now met with unimaginable suffering.

On that fateful Saturday, during a holiday weekend, the brothers were torn from their beds. Liran Berman told Fox News Digital that his family has since learned from released hostages that Gali and Ziv were separated shortly after being taken to Gaza—a cruel twist for siblings who had never been apart for so long in their entire lives.

Their story is eerily similar to that of Iair Horn and his brother Eitan. While Iair was freed from Hamas captivity earlier this year, Eitan remains in Gaza, a heartbreaking reminder of how families are shattered by conflicts they didn’t choose.

"This is the longest they’ve been separated in their whole lives," Liran lamented. Gali and Ziv were kidnapped alongside Emily Damari, who was freed during the most recent ceasefire deal. However, Liran hasn’t yet had the chance to speak with her.

For more than a year, Liran and his family clung to the belief that Gali and Ziv were still alive. Recent confirmations from released hostages have provided a glimmer of hope. "It was a breath of fresh air," Liran said. "We have the knowledge now that they are alive, not just a belief." Yet, the fight to bring them home remains ongoing.

Liran is pinning his hopes on political intervention, particularly from former President Donald Trump, whom he credits with bringing a "different atmosphere" to hostage negotiations. "We are in awe of what President Trump has done in his short term this far," Liran said, expressing faith in the administration’s commitment to bringing home all hostages.

In the face of rising anti-Israel sentiment on U.S. college campuses, Liran hopes to humanize the conflict for young Americans. "I want them to know that Gali and Ziv have their whole lives ahead of them," he said. "And I want them to know that Gali and Ziv are missed by so many people." It’s a plea not just for his brothers but for empathy and understanding amid a deeply polarizing crisis.