UPDATE: Tens of thousands of mourners gathered in central Israel on Tuesday for the funeral of Lt. Hadar Goldin, an Israeli soldier whose remains were returned after being held in Gaza for over a decade. The emotional ceremony marks a significant moment for the nation, as Goldin’s family has campaigned tirelessly for his return.
The funeral took place on October 31, 2023, with crowds spilling into surrounding streets, waving Israeli flags and observing a moment of silence as Goldin was finally laid to rest. His body was returned on October 29 by Hamas, as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by former President Donald Trump.
Goldin’s return represents the culmination of an 11-year campaign led by his family, who traveled the globe advocating for his repatriation. “Hadar, we waited for you 11 years; that’s a long time. I honestly can’t explain how we did it,” said his mother, Leah Goldin, at the gravesite. “I still believed you would jump up and say ‘Everything is fine!’”
Lt. Hadar Goldin was killed in August 2014, just two hours after a ceasefire took effect during the war between Israel and Hamas. Evidence recovered from the tunnel where his body was held, including a blood-soaked shirt, confirmed his death. His tragic story has become a symbol of national grief, with posters of Goldin visible across Israel for years.
Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend the funeral, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Israel’s military chief of staff, spoke on behalf of the military. Benny Gantz, who was chief of staff during Goldin’s abduction, was also present. “Hamas’ kidnapping of bodies is attempting to destroy families and destroy Israel from the inside,” stated Goldin’s twin brother, Tzur. His sister, Ayelet Goldin, described the moment as “historic,” emphasizing the significance of bringing him home.
The 2014 war that led to Goldin’s death resulted in over 2,200 Palestinian and 73 Israeli casualties. In response to his abduction, Israel launched a massive assault on Rafah, which attracted international criticism after more than 100 Palestinians were killed. The military subsequently scrapped the controversial “Hannibal directive” that allowed for such overwhelming responses.
Today, the Israeli military announced it dismantled the Rafah tunnel where Goldin was taken, marking a significant step in addressing the long-standing trauma associated with his abduction. Many Israelis view Goldin’s return as a closure to one of the most painful chapters in their ongoing struggle with Hamas.
This emotional event resonates deeply within the Israeli community, echoing the painful realities of war and the enduring hope for closure and peace. As the nation mourns, the focus now shifts to the ongoing implications of this deal and its potential impact on future relations between Israel and Hamas.
