Judith and Gad were murdered and abducted together from their home. Now, thanks to the rescue operation, they will be laid to rest together in dignity, in the land they so deeply loved.
(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
President Isaac Herzog today (Thursday, 5 June 2025) following the return of the bodies of Judith and Gad Haggai too Israel:
"The retrieval and return of the bodies of two hostages cruelly held by Hamas – Israeli-American citizens, Judith Weinstein Haggai and her husband Gad Haggai – is a moment of deep pain, but also one of solace and the resolution of uncertainty.
Judith and Gad were murdered and abducted together from their home in the peace-loving Kibbutz Nir Oz – the place where they lived, raised a large family, and built their lives. Now, thanks to the rescue operation, they will be laid to rest together in dignity, in the land they so deeply loved.
I send my heartfelt embrace and condolences to their family and to all the members of the Nir Oz community, and I express deep appreciation to the IDF and Shin Bet forces who carried out the rescue.
We will continue to do everything in our power to bring our sisters and brothers back from hell – the living, for healing and rehabilitation, and the fallen, to be laid to rest in dignity. Every last one of them!"