Voices of Resilience: The Stories of the Remaining Israeli Hostages Held by Hamas
Israel and Hamas have reached an initial phase of a peace agreement to end their long-standing conflict, with the release of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages held in Gaza expected soon. These hostages have become symbols of resilience and sorrow, with their stories widely shared and known. The hostages, a mix of soldiers and civilians, parents and children, were taken during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people. While 148 hostages have been freed through previous ceasefire agreements, 51 bodies have been recovered, and eight people have been rescued alive. Israel believes that around 20 to 22 hostages may still be alive.
Among the hostages is a German-Serbian-Israeli national named Ohel, who was taken from a shelter after fleeing the Nova music festival. Concerns for his well-being have grown as he was shown in propaganda videos by Hamas in visibly poor health. Ohel, a talented pianist, has had his family launch a global awareness campaign to keep attention on his story by placing pianos across Israel and in various cities worldwide.
Brothers Ariel and David were abducted from the Nir Oz kibbutz, with Ariel taken alongside his girlfriend, Arbel Yehoud. David was captured with his wife, Sharon Aloni Cunio, who was released in November 2023 with their twin daughters. The Cunio family has received reports from released hostages that both brothers are still alive.
Avinatan Or, taken hostage at the Nova music festival, was abducted with his girlfriend, Noa Argamani, who was rescued in June 2024 after 245 days in captivity. Argamani described Or as someone with a quiet strength and a peaceful presence, emphasizing his resilience during their captivity.
Bar Kupershtein, a bouncer at the Nova music festival, was taken hostage after staying on-site to assist the wounded during the attack. His family has been actively involved in nationwide demonstrations calling for a ceasefire to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Kupershtein and another hostage were seen in a propaganda video released by Hamas, where they expressed their dire situation.
Eitan Mor, a security guard at the Nova music festival, was abducted while helping others reach safety. His parents have been part of the Tikva Forum, advocating for military pressure to bring the hostages home. Signs of life from Mor were received by his family through information shared by a released hostage.
Elkana Bohbot, taken hostage at the Nova music festival, stayed behind to help the wounded when Hamas gunmen attacked. He was featured in a video released by Hamas, expressing distress and pleading to be reunited with his family. Bohbot's son often uses toy binoculars to "look for his father," as shared by his mother, Ruhama.
Evyatar David, a musician abducted from the Nova music festival, appeared in a video released by Hamas, showing him in distress. His older brother, Ilay, expressed the anguish of waiting for his return and emphasized that his brother is more than just a name or a poster.
Twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman were taken hostage from Kfar Aza, with reports indicating they were alive as of February 2025 but held separately. They were initially detained with their neighbor, Emily Damari, who was released in January 2025. Family members have been informed by other released hostages that both brothers are still alive.
Guy Gilboa-Dalal, abducted from the Nova music festival, appeared in Hamas videos pleading for freedom. His childhood friend, Evyatar David, was also captured, and the two were seen in videos released by Hamas. Gilboa-Dalal's brother managed to escape during the attack.
Matan Angrest, an Israeli soldier, was kidnapped from his military tank during the Oct. 7 attacks. His family released a video showing him being pulled from a tank by a crowd of men. They have been vocal in their protests and criticism of the government, advocating for his release.
Matan Zangauker, abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was taken with his girlfriend, Ilana Gritzewsky. Gritzewsky has been advocating for his release and has become a prominent voice in the campaign to bring the hostages home. Zangauker suffers from muscular dystrophy, and his family has received information about his deteriorating condition.
Maxim Herkin, a dual Israeli-Russian citizen, was invited to the Nova music festival at the last minute and was captured by Hamas. He appeared in propaganda videos released by Hamas, showing his deteriorating health. Herkin is a father and was the main provider for his family before his abduction.
Nimrod Cohen, a corporal in the Israeli army, was captured after his tank unit was overrun by terrorists. His family learned from a released hostage that he was still alive but in poor condition. Cohen's family has been actively involved in advocating for his release.
Omri Miran, abducted from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, was taken captive along with another father, Tsachi Idan. Miran was confirmed to be alive in July 2024 by a released hostage. His family received a sign of life from him in April 2025 through a propaganda video released by Hamas.
Rom Braslavski, a security guard at the Nova music festival, was wounded before being taken captive. His family learned that he had saved several people before his capture. Braslavski appeared in a video filmed by his captors, showing his distressing condition.
Segev Kalfon, abducted from the Nova music festival, was seen trying to escape before being captured. His family has expressed deep concern for his health, noting his recent diagnosis of severe anxiety. Kalfon was on the phone with his family during the chaos of the attack.
Yosef-Chaim Ohana, a bartender at the Nova music festival, was taken hostage while assisting injured partygoers. His family received a sign that he was alive in February 2025. Ohana had attended the festival to celebrate his upcoming move to the United States for pilot training.
The release of the remaining hostages is a significant step towards peace between Israel and Hamas, bringing hope to the families and loved ones of those still held captive. The ongoing efforts to secure the release of these hostages highlight the resilience and determination of the families and the broader community in advocating for their safe return. The stories of these hostages serve as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of working towards peaceful resolutions.