After 11 Years, Israel Receives Remains of Soldier Held by Hamas
After more than a decade of uncertainty, Israel yesterday received the remains of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, the soldier whose body had been held by Hamas since August 2014. The moment brought a mix of relief and sorrow, as Goldin’s family finally received confirmation of what they had long feared but never fully accepted. Goldin, just 23 when he was killed in fighting in southern Gaza, was taken into Hamas tunnels, leaving his family and the nation in agonizing limbo. Over the years, repeated attempts to secure his return ended in frustration, with each delay prolonging grief and national anxiety. This week, a breakthrough came. After delicate negotiations and mediation, the remains were handed over through the Red Cross. Goldin’s twin brother and parents described the moment as “closure at last,” even as the memory of his loss continues to weigh heavily. For many Israelis, Goldin’s story has symbolized the human cost of conflict, the personal tragedies hidden behind headlines, and the painstaking work needed to bring closure to families. Hundreds of hostages were taken in the war that erupted on 7 October 2023, and many families are still waiting for news of their loved ones. Exchanges continue, often involving the release of prisoners and the handover of bodies, but uncertainty and pain remain. For the Goldin family, and the nation, the return is a reminder of both loss and resilience. Even after eleven years, the effort to bring home the missing endures, and the human stories behind the conflict continue to demand attention, care, and action.
| 2025-11-10 17:05:06