The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have recovered the bodies of Judith Weinstein-Haggai and Gadi Haggai, two Israeli-American citizens killed during the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks. The couple was murdered while taking a morning walk near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. The Palestinian Mujahideen terrorist organization held their bodies for over 600 days before being located and retrieved from Khan Yunis in Gaza.

Following identification procedures by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, the Israeli Police, and the IDF Manpower Directorate’s Hostage Task Force, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences,” The Daily Wire reported.

“Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. We will not rest, nor will we be silent, until we return home all of our hostages — the living and the deceased.”

The Weinstein-Haggai family released a statement.

“We welcome the closure that we have been granted and the return for burial of our loved ones, who went out for a walk on that Black Sabbath morning and never came back. However, our hearts will not be whole until all 12 hostages from Nir Oz and all 56 hostages in total are brought back.”

On the morning of the attack, the couple recorded a 40-second video while taking shelter in a field as an alert system played a warning. Judith later called emergency services, reporting that her husband had been shot and killed, and that she was injured and hiding under a tree. The ambulance dispatched to assist her was reportedly hit by a rocket.

Judith, 70, was a poet, retired teacher, and New York native who also held Canadian citizenship. Gadi, 72, was a retired chef and jazz musician. They are survived by four children and seven grandchildren.

Kibbutz Nir Oz described them as the “power couple of Kibbutz Nir Oz,” noting their deep connection and contributions to the community. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters emphasized the importance of bringing all hostages home to begin the process of healing and recovery.