Israel has recovered the bodies of two hostages taken during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Among them was Judih Weinstein, a Canadian citizen, along with Gad Haggai. Their remains were brought back to Israel following a military operation conducted by the army and the Shin Bet internal security agency.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased, stating, “Our hearts ache for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed.” The couple, who were residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border, were killed during the attack and subsequently taken into Gaza by militants from the Mujahideen Brigades.
Weinstein, 70, and Haggai, 72, held both Israeli and U.S. citizenship. Weinstein was born in New York and worked as an educator for children with special needs. She was known for her dedication to peacebuilding, teaching meditation to both Israeli and Palestinian children. Haggai was a retired chef and jazz musician. The couple is survived by four children and seven grandchildren.
In a statement, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada mourned alongside the family, highlighting the profound loss they have suffered. He also addressed the rise in antisemitism since the attack, urging action to ensure the safety of Jewish Canadians.
The Israeli military reported that the couple’s remains were recovered from Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. This operation came amid ongoing conflict, where Israeli strikes have reportedly resulted in significant Palestinian casualties. The military stated that it only targets militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas, which operates within populated areas.
Since the October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, Hamas has been holding hostages. Currently, 56 hostages remain in captivity, with efforts ongoing to secure their release. The military has managed to rescue eight living hostages and recover several bodies.
The conflict continues to escalate, with Israeli military operations leading to a high number of Palestinian casualties, as reported by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. The situation remains tense, with international efforts for a ceasefire and negotiations for hostage release facing challenges.
As the families of Weinstein and Haggai begin to mourn, their daughter Iris Haggai Liniado expressed gratitude to the Israeli military and the governments involved in the recovery efforts. She called for the release of all remaining hostages, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.