As Prime Minister Netanyahu addresses Washington and following news of two hostages' deaths in captivity, Einav Zangauker has chosen to share tonight (Tuesday) the last messages her son Matan sent before his abduction to Gaza. Einav, who recently received Matan's phone recovered by the military in Gaza, is now revealing for the first time the final exchanges Matan had with family members before his capture.
Video: Matan's final texts to his uncle. Credit: courtsey
"There's someone here, where are the forces?!"
At 8:13 a.m. on Oct. 7, Matan texted his mother: "You're awake? Mom, I'm okay, everything's fine." Einav replied, "Good, sweetie, good." Matan inquired, "Is the IDF striking? Are there IDF troops in the kibbutzim?" Einav tried to explain the situation: "There aren't enough forces. No soldiers in the kibbutzim. They're all focused on the infiltrated communities. Don't leave the house, okay? Many casualties, soldiers and civilians, and hostages. Most importantly, don't go out, my love."
At 9:39 a.m., Matan sought clarity on the IDF's response to Hamas: "Any updates? Are they attacking? Mom, there are still gunshots here." Einav replied, "The IDF is attacking, but minimally." Matan pressed, "Any update? What about the terrorists here in the communities?" Einav urged her son to close the window, turn off the lights, and stay quiet. Four minutes later, Matan messaged: "Mom, I love you all, someone's here. I'm holding the door, people are here, can't write. I love you all."
Later, Matan wrote to his mother, who tried to comfort him, "We love you and Ilana [Matan's partner]. Stay strong, my dear. Everything will be okay, my prince," to which Matan answered "I love you all, there are Arabs here. They're right by the door, speaking Arabic. Motorcycles around, shooting" and asked, "When are they sending forces?!"
Einav mentioned an exchange of fire in the kibbutz, but Matan disagreed: "BS, there isn't. They've taken over half the kibbutz, screaming everywhere. Call someone, get forces here. Find out what's happening."
At 10:08 a.m., Matan sent his final message: "They're trying to get in." Einav replied: "Quiet, quiet. We sent the police, stay quiet. There are lots of soldiers in the kibbutz. Matan? Matan? Are you okay?"
"They're breaking into houses and shooting"
Concurrently, at 9:49 a.m., Matan texted his uncle Eliran: "Eliran, I love you. Help mom with Shani and Tatu, that's all I ask." Eliran attempted to call, but Matan declined, writing: "Can't talk." Eliran sought information: "Talk to me, what's happening, Matan I love you" and sent a voice message saying "Matanush, everything's fine, I love you, be strong. Keep a knife handy, something you can carry. I'm with mom, I'm not leaving them. You'll make it out safely, you'll all get out." Matan responded: "There are terrorists here, gunshots, I can't listen to the message" and reiterated his plea to help his mother.
Video: Matan's abduction to Gaza. Credit: courtesy
"Recite Shema Yisrael [Jewish prayer] and keep your head high, I'm always here for you, we're stronger than them. Stay alert. I'm here ready and waiting. Can you tell what's going on there?" Eliran asked. Matan replied: "They're breaking into houses and shooting, yelling, I'm with Ilana. Can't answer. I'm holding the door, gunshots outside."
After about 20 minutes of exchanges, Eliran wrote: "Matanush, what's happening? Matan, stay strong. Matanush, my life, I love you more than anything. Be strong and fight." But Matan could no longer respond.
Furthermore, in disturbing footage obtained by Einav, Matan is seen on a motorcycle in a crowded area near Khan Yunis, seated between two terrorists, with a cheering crowd in the background, celebrating their "prize." Estimates suggest this video is from the initial days after the abduction, seemingly showing Matan's transfer to his captivity location.
