The remains of deceased hostage Ronen Engel, who was murdered on October 7 were returned to Israel for burial overnight Saturday. Kibbutz Nir Oz announced Sunday morning that his body has been succesfully identified after the Hamas late-night handover, some 2 years after he died when defending his family and battling terrorists on the morning of October 7.
Video: The Engel family home in Nir Oz / Credit: Gil Cramer
Ronen, 54, was married to Karina and father to Tom, Mika, and Yuval, and brother of Danny. A photographer, dedicated Magen David Adom volunteer, passionate hiker and off-road cyclist, vintage collector, and above all a true friend, he went out to defend his family when the first terrorist squad broke into their home and engaged them in combat, at the end of which he fell and was abducted.
Ronen was a devoted father to his children, an animal lover, an optimistic person who always looked on the bright side, smiling and cheerful. In recent years he volunteered as an emergency medical responder with MDA alongside his work as a water technician, and in the kibbutz, he was involved in the chicken coop and in renovating and restoring furniture and vintage items.
"We will always remember Ronen as a devoted family man, incorrigible optimist, with a sense of humor and a zest for life and constant smile who made sure to listen and help those around him," Kibbutz Nir Oz announcement stated.
