Hanna Katzir, who survived 49 days in Hamas captivity, passed away Tuesday morning at age 77. Katzir was kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 and released in November 2023 as part of a hostage deal. Her husband Rami was murdered in their home's safe room, and her son Elad, 47, was killed in captivity – his body was later recovered from Khan Yunis. During her captivity, Katzir was held alongside the Munder family – Ruti, Karen, and Ohad – who were also later released.
50 ימים של טלטלה רגשית, התנקזו אתמול לכמה שעות של צפיה, התרגשות, שמחה על השבים, עצבות על הנותרים, געגועים ותפילה ללוחמים.
קשה להסביר במילים את ההתרגשות לראות את חנה קציר, שהג׳יהאד הודיע על מותה בשבי, צועדת על רגליה ולקרוא את רשימת החוזרים.
במערך הנעדרים הכרנו אותם היטב, יחידים… pic.twitter.com/IXcfzkGZly— Karine Nahon • קרין נהון (@karineb) November 25, 2023
Her daughter, Carmit Palty-Katzir, said: "Mom was a loving and devoted wife and mother who was all about love. Her heart couldn't withstand the terrible suffering since October 7. Every day in captivity endangers the lives of our loved ones. A comprehensive deal to bring back our 100 brothers and sisters must move forward."
In a radio interview several months ago, Carmit revealed that her mother was hospitalized with cardiac issues. She noted that her mother had no heart problems before being kidnapped, but now suffered from severe cardiac conditions due to "harsh conditions and starvation."
For years, Katzir cared for children at Kibbutz Nir Oz – she was among the kibbutz's founders, where her children Avital, Elad, and Carmit were born. In a false statement released about a week before her release from captivity, Islamic Jihad falsely claimed she was no longer alive.
In a social media post shared two days ago, Carmit described her mother's condition: "I went to be with her. There wasn't much I could do to help, but we talked a little. I played music when she didn't have the strength to talk, made her hot drinks and made sure she was warm and comfortable," she shared.
The funeral will be held Tuesday at Kibbutz Nir Oz at 4:00 p.m.
