HY”D: Bodies of Hostages Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein Recovered and Brought to Jewish Burial
After more than 600 days, the bodies of Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein Haggai HY”D — who were murdered by the Hamas terror organization — were returned to Israel overnight (Thursday) in a military operation • Full Story
The two were murdered during the Simchat Torah terror massacre by Hamas terrorists. Their bodies were abducted and are now being brought to Jewish burial.
The operation to retrieve their bodies took place in the Khan Younis area in southern Gaza. According to details of the mission, Gadi and Judi were held as corpses by the Mujahideen Brigades — the same group responsible for abducting the Bibas family HY”D.
As of now, 56 hostages remain in Hamas captivity — 20 of whom are confirmed to be alive.
Gadi Haggai HY”D was 72 years old, a father of four and grandfather of seven. Judi HY”D was 70 when she was murdered.
The couple’s family released the following statement:
“We are grateful for the closure we’ve received and for the return of our loved ones for burial — loved ones who went for a morning walk on that day and never returned. In this painful moment, we wish to thank the IDF and security forces for carrying out this complex rescue mission and for fighting on our behalf for more than a year and a half. We are grateful to all who supported, struggled, prayed, and fought for us and for all of Am Yisrael.
We also thank the U.S. administration, the Israeli government, and the FBI for their tireless efforts and continued support.
Still, our hearts will not be at peace until all 12 hostages from Nir Oz, and all 56 remaining hostages, are brought home.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated this morning:
“In a special operation by the Shin Bet and the IDF in the Gaza Strip, the bodies of two of our hostages, held by the murderous Hamas terror organization, were brought home: Judi Weinstein-Haggai and Gadi Haggai of Kibbutz Nir Oz, may their memories be a blessing.
Judi and Gadi were murdered on October 7 and abducted to Gaza. My wife and I, together with all the citizens of Israel, extend our deepest condolences to their dear families. Our hearts ache from this terrible loss. May their memory be blessed.
I want to thank and commend the soldiers and commanders for the determined and successful operation. We will not rest and we will not stop until we bring all our hostages home — both the living and the fallen.”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir wrote:
“The return of the bodies of Gadi and Judi Weinstein Haggai HY”D is both a painful and important piece of news. I grieve with the Haggai family and the entire Nir Oz community. I embrace them in this difficult hour and send my heartfelt condolences.
I salute the IDF and Shin Bet for this complex and joint mission that brought them home.
The return of bodies is a painful moment, but also a clear proof — that with military force, we can bring our loved ones home.
There is no room for hesitation in the face of ruthless terrorists. Now is the time to allow the IDF to fully implement its plans to conquer the Gaza Strip, dismantle Hamas, free the hostages, and promote emigration.
We must not miss this historic opportunity.”
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