UPDATE: Tens of thousands of mourners gathered in central Israel on Tuesday to pay their respects to Lt. Hadar Goldin, an Israeli soldier whose body was finally returned after being held in Gaza for over a decade. The emotional funeral took place on October 17, 2023, as his family and the nation marked the end of an 11-year struggle for his return.
The massive crowd, spilling into surrounding streets, waved Israeli flags and stood in solemn silence as Goldin was laid to rest. His remains were returned by Hamas on October 15, 2023, as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by former President Donald Trump. This moment brought closure to an arduous campaign led by Goldin’s grieving family, who traveled worldwide advocating for his return.
“I still believed you would jump up and say ‘Everything is fine!’” said his mother, Leah Goldin, beside her son’s grave. Lt. Goldin, just 23 years old at the time of his death in August 2014, was killed shortly after a ceasefire took effect during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Evidence from the tunnel where his body was taken confirmed his tragic fate.
Goldin’s family transformed his story into a national symbol, with posters of him and fellow soldier Oron Shaul prominently displayed throughout Israel. Earlier this year, the military recovered Shaul’s body, marking another painful chapter in a long struggle.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend the funeral, but Israel’s military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, spoke on behalf of the military. Benny Gantz, the chief of staff during Goldin’s abduction, was present. Tzur Goldin, Hadar’s twin brother, stated, “Hamas’ kidnapping of bodies is attempting to destroy families and destroy Israel from the inside.”
His sister, Ayelet Goldin, called the moment “historic,” expressing, “Suddenly, now that you’re here, I understand how sacred and profound it is to bring you home.”
The 2014 war that took Goldin’s life resulted in the deaths of more than 2,200 Palestinians and 73 Israelis. Israel’s military response to his abduction involved significant operations in Rafah, which drew international criticism after over 100 Palestinians were killed. The military later abandoned the controversial “Hannibal directive,” which authorized overwhelming force in such situations.
In a significant development on Tuesday, the Israeli military announced it had dismantled the Rafah tunnel where Goldin was taken, signaling a decisive step in addressing the long-standing tensions with Hamas. Many Israelis view Goldin’s return as the closing of one of the most painful chapters in the ongoing conflict.
As the nation mourns and reflects on this poignant moment, the emotional resonance of Lt. Hadar Goldin’s return is felt deeply across Israel, highlighting the profound impact of his story on families and communities throughout the country.
