Kibbutz Nir Oz, an Israeli community profoundly impacted by the recent violence initiated by Hamas, is mourning the loss of one of its own.
Who is Gadi Haggai?
Gadi Haggai, a 73-year-old resident, was tragically killed while held captive in Gaza, a grim announcement made by the Kibbutz on Friday. His wife, 70-year-old Judi Weinstein, remains a hostage in the same volatile region.
Haggai, known for his culinary skills as a retired chef and his love for jazz music, leaves behind a legacy as a father of four and a grandfather of seven. His life, rich in music and family, included a stint as a flautist in the IDF Orchestra, underscoring his lifelong dedication to the arts. The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum remembered him as a man of humor and musical talent.
This personal tragedy has international ramifications. US President Joe Biden expressed deep sorrow over the death of Haggai, an Israeli-American national, and extended prayers for the safe return of his wife, Judy. Biden’s commitment to the families of those still held hostage is unwavering, vowing continued efforts to bring them home.
The couple’s ordeal began on October 7 during a Hamas attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, where they were taken hostage. Haggai and Weinstein, both US nationals, were on a morning walk when the attack unfolded. A video clip, shared by Weinstein in a group chat, captured their last known contact with family, depicting the terrifying moments of the attack.
The situation in Gaza remains critical. While 105 civilians have been released during a truce, it’s believed that 129 hostages, taken by Hamas on October 7, are still in captivity, with their fates uncertain. The Israel Defense Forces have confirmed the deaths of 22 hostages, and Hamas continues to hold the bodies of two fallen IDF soldiers and two Israeli civilians who entered Gaza independently.
