Return of Israeli Officer’s Remains Sparks Mourning
Hundreds of people gathered in Kfar Saba on Tuesday to honor Hadar Goldin, an Israeli army officer whose body was returned by Hamas after being held in Gaza for over ten years.
The military cemetery was packed, with some attendees climbing onto roofs for a better view of the funeral, while others settled in plastic chairs outside, watching a large screen.
Blue and white Israeli flags waved in the wind, and mourners displayed handmade signs featuring Goldin’s portrait alongside the phrase “We will never forget.”
Israel received the remains of Goldin on Sunday amidst an ongoing ceasefire agreement facilitated by US President Donald Trump.
Simcha Goldin, Hadar’s father, referred to his son as a “Jewish warrior” and moved mourners to reflect on unity, urging them, “act right and not hate each other. This is Hadar’s legacy.” He encouraged everyone to integrate more of Hadar’s spirit into their daily lives.
Hadar Goldin, who was just 23, was killed on August 1, 2014, during a military operation in Gaza called Operation Protective Edge. He was ambushed while leading a mission aimed at destroying Hamas tunnels, and his body was taken shortly after a brief humanitarian ceasefire.
The return of Goldin’s remains marks the conclusion of a long and painful chapter for both his family and the Israeli community.
“It’s a tough day, but I feel happy because Hadar’s return feels like a dream come true,” said local resident Israel Blumstein, 76, noting that he had carried a picture of Goldin in his car for six years. He emphasized the significance of returning bodies, stating, “In our military… we don’t leave anyone behind.”
Goldin’s twin brother, Tur, expressed that the hostage crisis was designed to “undermine Israeli family-based society.” He further stated, “Its purpose is to pit families against each other and force us to decide who matters more, ultimately hurting us from within. Our victory lies in preserving the values of Israeli society, ensuring no one is left behind.”
The family had conducted a symbolic funeral in 2014 following the recovery of part of Goldin’s remains from a tunnel shortly after his death, but efforts to secure the rest of his body through earlier prisoner swaps had not succeeded.
“Knowing he has been gone for over 11 years brings a certain relief,” commented Aharon Gamuz, a 48-year-old software engineer draped in an Israeli flag. He added, “We trust the military to do everything possible to bring us back if something happens to us. This whole wait has been a sad time for all.”
Another attendee, Einat Carmel Gamuz, expressed the importance of being at the funeral to “give him his final honor, our honor to him and his family.” She stated it was vital to stand with the families and the Israeli community during this moment.
Since the ceasefire in Gaza began on October 10, Hamas has released all 20 living hostages it had held, along with the remains of 24 others, which includes Goldin. However, the bodies of four hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attack, which triggered the subsequent conflict, remain in Palestinian territory.
