The Israeli army has successfully recovered the remains of Judy Weinstein-Hagai and her husband, Gad Hagai, an American-Israeli couple who were kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 attack, following a specialized military operation in Gaza.
The couple was abducted from fields near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, and their deaths were confirmed in December 2023.
At 72, Gad Hagai was a father of four and a grandfather of seven. A musician and advocate for healthy, vegan cuisine, his contributions were recognized in a statement from the kibbutz administration.
Judy Hagai, aged 70, was dedicated to teaching children with special needs and concentration challenges.
In a heartfelt message, the Hagai family expressed their sorrow and gratitude: “We are thankful for the closure of this chapter and for their return to their homeland, Israel, where they will be laid to rest with dignity. We appreciate the efforts of the IDF and the security forces who undertook this complex rescue operation and fought for us for over a year and a half, along with everyone who supported, prayed, and advocated on our behalf and for the entire people of Israel. However, our hearts will not be complete until all 12 hostages from Nir Oz and the remaining 56 hostages in Gaza return home.”
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