Israel's Institute of Forensic Medicine confirmed Thursday morning the identification of four hostages – Tsachi Idan, Itzhak Elgarat, Shlomo Mantzur, and Ohad Yahalomi – whose remains were transferred to Israeli territory overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. All four were kidnapped during the Oct. 7 attack from communities near the Gaza border and murdered by Hamas terrorists while in captivity.
"The unbearable journey of our family, to bring back our beloved and precious Tsachi from the horror in Gaza, ended with the identification of Tsachi's remains by a qualified team on behalf of the State of Israel," The family of Tsachi Idan said in a statement. "Tsachi will be laid to eternal rest alongside his beloved [daugther] Maayan who was murdered on Oct. 7, while trying to help her father and protect the safe room door."
Kibbutz Nir Oz, home to two of the victims, released emotional statements about their murdered community members: "Kibbutz Nir Oz announces with profound sorrow the murder of Itzhak Elgarat, who was kidnapped from his kibbutz home on Saturday, Oct. 7, and killed while in Hamas captivity in Gaza," the statement read.
"Elgarat, 68 when kidnapped, had moved to Nir Oz to be near his brother and quickly became a cherished community figure. He served for years as the kibbutz groundskeeper, handling plumbing, gas, and steam maintenance. Neighbors remember him as a social linchpin who loved hosting friends at the local pub and bringing different generations together. His passion for soccer and backgammon became his signature, participating in community games with his characteristic smile and positive attitude.
"He leaves behind two children, a brother, and two sisters. We will remember him for his infectious laughter, enormous heart, and constant willingness to help anyone in need," The kibbutz statement concluded.
Itzhak's brother, Danny, who fought extensively for his brother's release from captivity, published a poem Wednesday night on the social media platform X. "The struggle suffered defeat, I failed in the rescue mission. You were kidnapped wounded from the shelter, they completely defeated me. Forgive me and the entire country, we didn't do enough to save you, I didn't keep my promise to bring you back safely," he wrote.
In a separate announcement, the kibbutz shared news of Ohad Yahalomi's death: "Kibbutz Nir Oz announces with immense pain the murder of Ohad Yahalomi, who was kidnapped from his home and murdered while in Gaza."
Yahalomi, 50, was described as a devoted family man with a passion for sports and the outdoors. "He knew every trail and path in the desert he so deeply loved," the statement noted. He dedicated his professional life to conservation as an employee of the Nature and Parks Authority, co-published a field guide to scorpions, and worked on educational initiatives with Bedouin communities.
Yahalomi is survived by his wife and three young children. The kibbutz commemorated him as "a principled person, full of compassion, who loved both people and country."
From Kibbutz Kisufim came news about Shlomo Mantzur, the eldest among the hostages, who was kidnapped from his yard on Oct. 7: "The members of Kibbutz Kisufim mourn the return of our dear friend, Shlomo Mantzur," the community stated. "We send our deepest condolences to the Mantzur family. Your pain is our pain, your grief is our grief."
Mantzur was described as "the heart of our community – everyone's grandfather." Community members remembered his trademark smile and thoughtful birthday calls. "He made each of us feel like the center of the world through his warmth, love, and rare capacity for genuine giving."
Mantzur's family recently learned that he was murdered on Oct. 7, with his remains held in Gaza for 509 days afterward. He was the only one on the current release list who was declared dead before returning, as Hamas did not reveal the condition of those to be released.
