Israel Retrieves Remains of Three Hostages from Hamas: Vow to Free All Captives

In a somber yet resolute operation, Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) recovered the remains of three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza on Saturday, marking another step in the nation’s unyielding quest to bring its people home. The hostages, identified as Ofra Keidar, Yonatan Samerano, and Shay Levinson, were among those taken during Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7, 2023. Their return, while a moment of closure for their families, underscores the deep wounds still festering in Israeli society.

Ofra Keidar, 71, was a vibrant soul from Kibbutz Be’eri, kidnapped during her morning walk through the fields she cherished. A woman of remarkable strength, she spent decades nurturing newborn calves on a dairy farm and later brought joy to children at a local petting zoo. Her love for her dogs—especially poodles—and her meticulously tended garden painted a picture of a life rooted in care and beauty. Tragically, her husband, Shmuel, was also murdered by Hamas in their home, compounding the family’s grief.

Yonatan Samerano, or ‘Yonati’ to those who knew him, was just 21 when he was abducted and killed after fleeing the Nova music festival. A gifted DJ with dreams of event production, Yonatan’s infectious energy drew friends like moths to a flame. His entrepreneurial spirit and love for music were cruelly silenced by Hamas terrorists, including a reported UNRWA employee, in an act that still reverberates with betrayal.

Shay Levinson, a 19-year-old staff sergeant and tank commander, fell in combat on that fateful October morning, fighting terrorists before being abducted. A resident of Givat Avni, Shay was a quiet yet driven young man, excelling in sports and serving as a star player on a volleyball team symbolizing Jewish-Arab unity. Choosing combat service over athletic privileges, he embodied courage and conviction.

The IDF’s operation, guided by precise intelligence from the Israel Security Agency and the Hostage Task Force, reflects Israel’s relentless commitment to its people. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, voicing collective grief, emphasized that true healing hinges on the return of all hostages. After 625 days of anguish, the recovery of these three offers a bittersweet solace, but the fight is far from over.

As Israel mourns, the resolve to bring every hostage home burns brighter. The nation’s heart aches, yet its spirit remains unbroken, vowing no victory until the last captive is free.