As many as six Israeli hostages were killed in action, most recently in August 2024. The victims were Ori Danino, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, and Alex Lobanov. Rather, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted that these individuals were tragically and brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists. This tragedy came on the day that Israeli forces would have arrived at their Damascus home in Gaza.
Footage posted by the Forum of Hostages and Families-Missing show a devastating scene. The hostages’ last Hanukkah was spent in a tunnel in Gaza—their lives cut short only months before the festival of lights became their legacy. The footage captures the six individuals engaging in card games and chess, displaying moments of camaraderie amidst their dire circumstances.
In the videos, the hostages cheerfully attempt to recite Jewish blessings. They celebrate with candlelight vigils of sorts using a homemade menorah out of disposable cups. Their spirits remained resilient as they celebrated the festival of lights, a testament to their unity and strength during a dark time.
Eden Yerushalmi expressed hope in his message, stating, “Happy New year to everyone, all of the families, all of the people of Israel.” His words resonated with the call of his compatriots in chains who turned to tradition for comfort in the midst of confusion and despair.
Almog Sarusi smiled at the camera and remarked, “Now it’s the holiday of Hanukkah. Happy holiday to us and to all the people of Israel.” His happy-go-lucky attitude was the complete opposite of all the serious things that were going on all around us.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American dual citizen, shared an optimistic outlook, saying, “We’re here, healthy, alive – they’re taking care of us, we’re ok.” These expressions of well-being emerged in the midst of great peril and uncertainty.
In response to these pressures, the IDF announced their expectation of releasing these hostages. This event is a hopeful sign of the first stages of a ceasefire agreement. All three were expected to go back to their hometowns, including most of their families and communities holding high hopes.
The videos are a somber and humbling tribute to the hostages’ humanity, creativity and defiance in the face of adversity. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum emphasized this sentiment, stating, “The entire world must see our loved ones in these moments, their unity, strength, and humanity even in the darkest times.”
