Israeli forces retrieved the bodies of Judi Weinstein (70) and Gadi Haggai (73) from Gaza during a nighttime operation, ending months of uncertainty for the family of the couple murdered and abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7. The couple was killed while taking their regular morning walk around their Gaza border community.
"They were recovered in a special military operation in the area of Khan Yunis. We will continue operating until our remaining 56 hostages are returned. May their memories be a blessing," the IDF said on X.
News of their deaths reached the family in December 2023, though the announcements came days apart. Kibbutz Nir Oz initially confirmed that Gadi Haggai had been murdered on October 7 and his body was being held captive, followed approximately one week later by confirmation of Judi Weinstein's death.
Video: The last images of the couple before their abduction / Credit: CCTV
Weinstein, 70, devoted her career to education as an English teacher who specialized in working with children facing special needs and attention challenges. She provided therapeutic support to young people experiencing anxiety related to the ongoing security threats in Gaza border communities, using meditation and mindfulness approaches in her work.
Judi and Gad Haggai were beloved parents, grandparents, and members of Kibbutz Nir Oz. They were held hostage for 608 days by terrorists in Gaza.
On October 7, 2023, while taking their daily morning walk around the kibbutz, they were murdered and abducted.
Judi, a devoted… pic.twitter.com/Y0iot0Fbyp
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 5, 2025
Beyond teaching, Weinstein pursued creative writing as a poet and launched business ventures as an entrepreneur. Her husband Gadi brought music to their community as an accomplished wind instrument musician while maintaining his connection to agriculture and promoting healthy vegan eating habits and athletic pursuits.
