Judi Haggai, an English teacher, and her partner Gadi Haggai, a former kitchen worker at Kibbutz Nir Oz, were last seen on October 7 during a violent attack. They shared a video in a group chat, showing themselves taking cover in a field as rockets flew overhead. Gunfire echoed around them, and soon after, Judi communicated with friends and family, saying they had been injured. Contact was lost shortly after that.
Their daughter, Iris Weinstein Haggai, later revealed that her mother told her they had been shot by terrorists on a motorcycle and that Gadi was seriously hurt. Paramedics attempted to send an ambulance, but it was struck by a rocket.
In December 2023, Kibbutz Nir Oz announced that both Judi and Gadi had been killed that day, with their bodies held hostage in Gaza. This tragic news marked a painful chapter for their family and community.
Recently, an Israeli military official confirmed that the couple’s bodies had been recovered from the Khan Younis area. This operation was carried out based on intelligence from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, the Israeli security agency. The official noted that they could not share more details due to the sensitive nature of the operation. Reports indicated that the intelligence was gathered from a Palestinian fighter who had been captured by Israeli forces in Gaza.
The military expressed its commitment to continue efforts to bring back hostages, both the living and deceased, to their families. They emphasized the importance of using all available resources for this mission.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged leaders to negotiate a new ceasefire with Hamas to facilitate the return of all remaining hostages. They highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that the mission could be accomplished quickly, reflecting the wishes of many Israelis.
In response to the situation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed solidarity with the Haggai family, calling for the release of all remaining hostages. Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered condolences, stating that the return of the remains would be a step toward healing for the family.
This tragedy highlights the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on families. The hope remains for a resolution that will bring peace and safety to all affected.