UPDATE: Tens of thousands gathered in central Israel on October 17, 2023, to mourn the return of Lt. Hadar Goldin, an Israeli soldier whose body was held in Gaza for over a decade. The emotional funeral, which took place in Tel Aviv, saw massive crowds waving Israeli flags and standing in silence as Goldin was finally laid to rest, marking a poignant end to an 11-year struggle.
Hamas returned Goldin’s remains on October 15, 2023, as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by former President Donald Trump. This agreement, which began last month, has finally brought closure to Goldin’s family, who campaigned tirelessly for his return. “Hadar, we waited for you 11 years, that’s a long time. A very long time,” said his mother, Leah Goldin, beside his grave. “I still believed you would jump up and say ‘Everything is fine!’”
Goldin, who was 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, including a blood-soaked shirt and prayer fringes, confirmed his tragic fate. His family’s relentless pursuit of justice turned Goldin into a national symbol, with posters circulating throughout Israel for years.
In attendance at the funeral were key military officials, including Israel’s military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who spoke on behalf of the armed forces. Despite his absence, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s influence loomed large over the proceedings. Benny Gantz, the chief of staff during Goldin’s abduction, also paid his respects, emphasizing the profound impact of Goldin’s return.
“Hamas’ kidnapping of bodies is attempting to destroy families and destroy Israel from the inside,” stated Goldin’s twin brother, Tzur. His sister, Ayelet, reflected on the moment as “historic,” expressing, “Suddenly, now that you’re here, I understand how sacred and profound it is to bring you home.”
The 2014 conflict that led to Goldin’s death resulted in over 2,200 Palestinians and 73 Israelis losing their lives. Israel’s military response to his abduction, a significant assault on Rafah, drew international criticism due to the high civilian casualties. Following this, the military scrapped the controversial “Hannibal directive,” which had authorized overwhelming force in such situations.
In a significant development following Goldin’s funeral, the Israeli military announced on the same day that it had dismantled the Rafah tunnel from which Goldin was taken, signaling a decisive move in ongoing efforts against Hamas. Many Israelis view Goldin’s return as the closing of a painful chapter in the nation’s enduring struggle with the militant group.
As the nation reflects on this harrowing journey, the emotional impact of Goldin’s return is felt deeply across Israel, uniting citizens in their shared grief and relief. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring hope for peace.
