Idan Shtivi, previously thought to be held captive by Hamas, was killed on Oct. 7, and his body is still being held by the terror group, according to a joint announcement by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum and the Petah Tikva municipality.
Shtivi's family received the devastating news Sunday night from IDF officials. He leaves behind his parents, three siblings, and his partner, Stav.
The forum shared, "Idan Shtivi, 28, had a passion for nature, photography, and animals. He shared a deep connection with dogs and other animals, and was set to begin his second year studying sustainability and government at Reichman University. Idan consistently put others first, often sacrificing his own interests for the sake of others."
On the morning of Oct. 7, Shtivi arrived at the Nova Music Festival to document his friends' performances and workshops, but never made it inside. As the attack unfolded, he helped two strangers – a man and a woman he had just met at the site entrance – to escape. This selfless act ultimately led to his death and capture.
IDF representatives informed the family that Shtivi was taken from the Tel Gama area, near Re'im. The decision to officially declare Shtivi's death was based on intelligence information and received approval from a committee of experts from the Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Religious Affairs Ministry and the Israel Police.
