In the town of Givot Bar in the Negev, loved ones of Sagui Dekel-Chen came together on Saturday morning to watch their friend walk free from Hamas captivity, alongside two others who were kidnapped from Nir Oz: Sasha Troufanov and Iair Horn.

"Finally on Israeli soil"

Lotus Lahav, Sagui Dekel-Chen's neighbor from the kibbutz, described the emotions: "It's an incredibly moving day. We're waiting to see them walking, healthy, and we won't breathe easy until we see them ourselves. Even today, we don't forget that there are still many hostages in captivity, from the Nir Oz community and beyond."

Sagui's friends in Givot Bar sat tightly packed in the living room, just as hundreds of others did across the country. Their eyes were fixed on the screen, their hearts pounding in unison. No one dared to smile yet, it was too soon for celebration.

Then, the moment they had all been waiting for arrived. Shouts erupted uncontrollably, people jumped to their feet, embracing one another as warm tears streamed down their faces. Joy filled the room, spilling out into the street, to the neighbors, and to everyone watching the broadcast. On the other side of the screen, Sagui's family clapped. Here, everyone instinctively joined in.

"He looks good, doesn't he?" someone asked in a trembling voice. "He's lost weight," another responded, and suddenly, everyone was analyzing those first moments of freedom. "Still so handsome, even in a tracksuit," his wife, Avital, concluded with a shaky yet excited voice.

Then, a calm voice from the television declared: "They are no longer hostages. They are free."

Sagui Dekel-Chen's family released a statement: "Our Sagui is home. A friend, a son, a partner, and most importantly, a father, he is back. For 498 days, nearly 500, he was so far away, and now, at last, he is back on Israeli soil, with us. In the coming hours, he will begin the rehabilitation process, reunite with his daughters, Gali and Bar, and meet his youngest daughter, Shachar, for the first time, she was born while he was in captivity. Our hearts ache for all that he missed, but now he is here, unlike so many others."

They added: "It is crucial to remember that many families are still waiting for their loved ones, many children are still waiting for their fathers. We did everything we could, on every front, to reach this moment, and we will continue to fight until the last hostage is brought home, that is our duty. Thank you to everyone who supported, acted, and helped. Thank you to the people of Israel and all those involved in the struggle to bring Sagui and the other hostages back."

"Tonight, we reopen the Kibbutz pub"

Speaking about Iair Horn, who was freed while his brother remains in captivity, Lotus Lahav shared: "He's the life of the party, the one in charge of the kibbutz pub, the funniest person I know, the mastermind behind the Purim parties, always with his thick Argentine accent. We missed him at so many events and holidays in the kibbutz during their captivity. His absence was felt. We're so happy to have him back. Tonight, we're reopening the kibbutz pub."

Iair Horn's family released a statement: "After 498 days, Iair is finally home. Now, we can breathe, just a little. Our Iair is back after surviving hell and horror in Gaza. Now, we must bring back Eitan, so our family can truly breathe again."

They continued: "We are grateful to the IDF soldiers and security forces who risk their lives, and we send our condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones for all of us. You will forever be in our hearts. We will not stop until Eitan and every last hostage is brought home."

Sasha's friends await his return at Kfar Maccabiah

Friends of Sasha Troufanov, who was also released today, gathered at Kfar Maccabiah in anticipation of his return.

Shortly after Sasha crossed into Israel, his family shared: "On October 7, 2023, he was brutally kidnapped from his home and shot in both legs." They added, "Seeing him today gives us strength and immense hope for the long road of recovery ahead. This is a moment of great relief for us, for his friends, and for everyone who held on to hope and prayed for his return."

However, the family noted that they were unsure if Sasha was aware that his father, Vitaly, was murdered in the October 7 massacre. "The knowledge, or lack of it, will completely change the nature of his return, from a day of great joy to a day of profound mourning for his beloved father," they said.

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The Israel Defense Forces announced the recovery of hostage Yosef AlZayadni's remains from an underground tunnel in Rafah Tuesday, facilitating the return of his body to Israel. The statement confirmed that Yosef, who was taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023, died while in captivity. During the same recovery operation, security forces discovered evidence connected to his son, Hamza AlZayadni, who was also abducted on Oct. 7, leading to serious concerns about his survival.

The military statement indicated the evidence was located in the southern Gaza Strip. Following the recovery, Yosef's remains were transported by helicopter to the forensic institute for detailed examination. The AlZayadni family reported receiving notification from the IDF claiming the recovery of both Yosef and Hamza's bodies.

Yosef and Hamza were captured alongside two other members of the AlZayadni family – Bilal and Aisha, Yosef's children – during the Oct. 7 attacks. Bilal and Aisha were later freed during the seventh phase of the only hostage exchange agreement implemented to date. Following this recovery operation, the current count of hostages still held in Gaza stands at 98.

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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.

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A powerful explosion was heard this morning (Monday) in a 15-story residential building in the city of Yavne in central Israel, followed by a fire breaking out on the penthouse floor. Thick smoke was seen rising from the building.

According to the IDF, the explosion was caused by a drone that likely crossed into Israel from Yemen. No warning siren was activated, and the incident is currently being investigated. Firefighting teams from the Rehovot station are on site working to contain the blaze and conducting searches for anyone potentially trapped inside.

Video: Explosion of the drone in the Yavne apartment Building.

Etti Avivi, the owner of the damaged apartment, said: "We weren't home. We heard a boom—I think everyone in Yavne heard the explosion. I didn't connect the dots until I started getting calls from neighbors, and I just dropped everything."

"When I arrived, I saw my house on fire," Avivi continued. "When we got there, they told us that a drone likely crashed straight onto our balcony. Only the dog was home. Thank God no one was hurt, that it's just property damage, and that we're all healthy and safe. I just hope next time we win the lottery and not have a drone crash right onto our balcony."

The incident began when residents reported a loud explosion that shook the area. Shortly afterward, a fire erupted on the penthouse floor of the building. Magen David Adom (MDA) reported that no injuries have been reported so far, but firefighting teams are working to identify the fire's sources and bring it under control.

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The IDF cleared for publication Monday evening that three soldiers from the Shaked Battalion of the Givati Brigade fell in combat in Jabaliya, northern Gaza: Staff Sergeant Barak Daniel Halpern, 19; Staff Sergeant Ido Zano, 20; and Sergeant Omri Cohen, 19.

In the same incident, two soldiers sustained severe injuries – one from the Artillery Corps' Sky Rider Unit and a reservist from the Shaked Battalion – along with 10 other troops who were also wounded. All casualties were evacuated to hospitals for medical treatment, and their families have been notified. The military has not yet released details about the circumstances of the incident. Halpern served as a squad commander, Zano as a combat medic, and Cohen as a combat soldier in the battalion.

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The Beersheba District Court delivered a landmark verdict Sunday, finding two directors of the Bnei Zion pre-military academy guilty of negligent manslaughter in the deaths of 10 teenagers who died in a flash flood during a 2018 hiking expedition at Nahal Tzafit. The ruling comes after a protracted six-year legal battle that has deeply affected Israeli society's approach to outdoor educational activities.

Yuval Kahan, the academy's head, and Aviv Bardichev, its educational director, faced charges in what became one of Israel's most devastating outdoor activity disasters. In his ruling, the judge emphasized that while reasonable doubt existed regarding Bardichev's awareness of the danger, both defendants' actions warranted conviction for negligent manslaughter, an offense carrying a maximum three-year sentence.

The tragedy unfolded during an orientation trip for academy candidates in April 2018, claiming the lives of Ilan Bar-Shalom, Ella Or, Maayan Barhoum, Yael Sadan, Shani Shamir, Romi Cohen, Agam Levy, Tzur Alfi, Gali Balali and Adi Raanan, who were caught in sudden flash floods.

In his detailed ruling, the judge highlighted a pattern of administrative failures and dismissed warnings. "Multiple stakeholders within and outside the academy expressed serious concerns about the trip's viability," he stated, noting how Kahan "exploited his position" to override these concerns, creating pressure on other staff members to proceed despite the risks.

The court emphasized the absence of clear, documented protocols for adverse weather conditions and criticized the flawed assessment of weather forecasts. A crucial conversation between Kahan and Bardichev the night before the tragedy revealed significant confusion about the planned route. "Even when Kahan recognized the weather-related dangers, he failed to contact the field guide or provide necessary instructions," the judge noted, adding that this abdication of responsibility might have been the critical factor in failing to prevent the disaster.

Speaking to Israel Hayom before the verdict, Sarit Angel Or, mother of victim Ella, described the enduring impact on the bereaved families. "For six and a half years, our nights haven't been the same," she said, explaining her decision to avoid the courtroom proceedings. "You're just a 'puppet' in the courtroom – you can't ask questions or express opinions. The state is the one prosecuting these defendants."

Or emphasized the systemic nature of the failure while acknowledging the complexity of the case. "The guilty parties aren't murderers, but they certainly didn't follow protocols. There was great arrogance on their part, and no one can fight against nature. They should have known about the floods in advance.

"I learned that the academy wasn't even aware of the 2008 law regarding trip regulations, and our disaster happened in 2018. After the defendants face justice, I want to sit down and talk with them face to face. I'll ask the difficult questions that remain in my heart."

Eti Balali, whose daughter Gali died in the flood, expressed her frustration over the lengthy legal process and what she perceived as a lack of remorse. The defendants' apparent disregard for multiple warnings, received from a week before the trip until moments before entering the creek, particularly troubled the bereaved families.

Itzik Or, father of Ella Or, voiced hope that the verdict would serve as a watershed moment for safety protocols in Israel. "I hope and pray the guilty parties will pay their debt to society," he stated, "so others will see and learn, and this disregard for safety in Israel that leads to unnecessary deaths of innocent people will end."

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The birth date of David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first prime minister, has become the subject of unexpected controversy following a recent archival discovery. For decades, October 16, 1886, has been universally accepted as Ben-Gurion's birth date. However, a birth certificate unearthed in the archives of Płońsk, his Polish hometown, points to a different date entirely: February 18, 1887.

This startling find came to light during a family history research project conducted by Dr. Doron Burstein. While delving into his connection to Ben-Gurion, Burstein stumbled upon two compelling pieces of evidence. In addition to the Płońsk birth certificate, he discovered a US entry form from 1942 that lists Ben-Gurion's birth date as February 16, 1887 – just two days off from the Polish document.

Monika Kopenska, who oversees the Płońsk archives, has vouched for the authenticity of the newly discovered birth certificate. After a thorough examination, her team concluded that the document was genuine. Kopenska noted that it was issued in 1924 at the family's request by Płońsk's chief priest.

Dr. Gili Gofer, a historian affiliated with the Ben-Gurion Heritage Institute, offered a plausible explanation for the conflicting dates. She pointed out that birth date recordkeeping for Jews in Eastern Europe was often a complicated and imprecise process. It was not uncommon for Jewish families to deliberately provide incorrect dates to authorities, either to postpone conscription into the Russian Tsar's army or due to superstitions about warding off the evil eye.

Eitan Donyets, CEO of the Ben-Gurion Heritage Institute, echoed this interpretation. "Throughout his life, Ben-Gurion consistently maintained that he was born on the 17th of Tishrei 5647, which corresponds to October 16, 1886, during the Sukkot holiday," Donyets explained. "We have no reason to doubt his word on this matter."

Despite the questions raised by these newly discovered documents, the Ben-Gurion Heritage Institute remains committed to commemorating the iconic leader's birthday on October 16, in keeping with the date Ben-Gurion himself observed throughout his life.

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New details shared by the rescued hostage Qaid Farhan Alkadi on Thursday on his time in Hamas captivity sheds light on the tragid death of another hostage, Arie Zalmanovicz, 86, from Nir Oz.

According to Alkadi, Zalmanovicz, whose death in captivity has been confirmed in December by Israeli authorities, was alongside him until his very last moments and may have died because he was denied proper care by Hamas terrorists. On Wednesday, it was reported that Alkaid, following his rescue, recounted seeing a deceased hostage beside him during their captivity. Zalmanovicz, a founding member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was the oldest hostage held by Hamas. He leaves behind two sons and five grandchildren.

Video: The footage showing the abduction of Arie Zalmanovich

Kibbutz Nir Oz issued a statement following the revelation, blaming the Hamas captors of deliberately denying Zalmanovicz essential medicine. "About two weeks ago, a chilling video was released documenting the moments of our friend Arie Zalmanovicz's abduction from his home. Today, we learned of Farhan Alkadi's testimony, who was rescued from captivity. He reported seeing Arie dying beside him after being denied necessary medication and medical treatment. This account completes the painful picture for us, revealing the hellish moments Arie endured from his abduction to his tragic end. It serves as a disturbing firsthand testimony of what the remaining hostages in Gaza are experiencing".

Alkadi was extracted from a tunnel in southern Gaza in what security officials described as a "complex operation". During his debriefing, he disclosed for the first time that he was moved underground shortly after witnessing a murder. He explained that he was initially taken to an apartment rather than a tunnel, where he saw one of his fellow captives dying while their captors filmed the incident. Alkadi stated, "Immediately afterward, they filmed me too, and then I saw how he was killed."

Approximately 40 days after his abduction, Hamas released a 28-second video showing Zalmanovicz lying on a bed, connected to a monitor and complaining of feeling unwell. Later footage showed him motionless and covered with a white sheet.

Earlier in August, a video and photographs were released for the first time, showing Zalmanovicz during his abduction from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz to Gaza. The footage depicts the 85-year-old being transported on a motorcycle, flanked by his captors, while surrounded by dozens of cheering Gazans attempting to approach and strike him.

The kibbutz further stated the following: "We appeal once again to all involved parties, especially to the Israeli government and its leader – every additional moment in captivity poses a real threat to the hostages' lives. There's no time for hesitation or delays. Everyone must be brought home now before it's too late. Every moment is critical, and any delay could result in more lost lives".

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"I wouldn't wish my experience on anyone," said Qaid Farhan Alkadi, who was rescued from Hamas captivity on Tuesday after nearly 11 months. Upon leaving the hospital, Alkadi expressed his desire to see his mother and daughters, adding, "Whether you're Arab or Jewish, everyone has a family waiting for them. They all want to celebrate. I hope and pray this will end. I even told the prime minister [Benjamin Netanyahu] to 'put an end to this.' It's hard for everyone, Jewish and Arab alike."

The Alkadi family traveled from Soroka Medical Center in a jubilant convoy to their village near Rahat. A specially erected tent welcomed Alkadi with an outpouring of joy and emotion. Villagers brought food for the homecoming feast, which began with a communal prayer of thanksgiving. As he arrived, Alkadi declared, "I feel completely fine. Do everything possible to bring back the hostages."

As Alkadi departed the hospital, Professor Shlomi Kodesh, Director of Soroka, remarked, "Since Oct. 7, Soroka and the entire healthcare system have exemplified unity, with everyone collaborating towards a common goal – saving lives. Farhan endured the longest captivity among the released hostages, yet he arrived on his own feet in stable condition. It's a profound honor for me and the entire Soroka staff to witness these joyous moments and care for those returning. We continue to pray and hope for everyone's safe return."

Kaid, a 52-year-old father of 11, resided with his family in a village south of Rahat. For years, he worked as a security guard at the Ago packing house near Moshav Yesha. On Oct. 7, his family's attempts to reach him by phone were unsuccessful. It took several weeks before they received official confirmation of his abduction.

Shortly after Alkadi's arrival at Soroka Hospital, his brother Hatem reported, "He survived mainly on bread, and not every day. Despite this, he's in good health and doing well overall. He was worried about the rest of the family. He's seen some of his brothers and asked about our mother. I assured him that she's fine and everything is okay." Wednesday marked Alkadi's first meeting with his 90-year-old ailing mother since his capture.

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The civilian security team of Netiv HaAsara thwarted an attempted stabbing attack today (Monday), eliminating the terrorist, later identified as a Canadian citizen.

The attacker – a Muslim Canadian – tried to stab IDF soldiers stationed at the entrance to the town, located in southern Israel, near the northern border with the Gaza Strip.

Video: The Netiv HaAsara attack, July 22, 2024 / Credit: Security footage

Medical teams treated a 61-year-old woman for shock at the scene.

Sources say the terrorist landed in Israel yesterday, rented a car for two weeks, and paid for it in advance. This morning, he left Ashdod, passed through Yad Mordechai, and then arrived at Netiv HaAsara.

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