A Tragic Discovery
The Al-Ziadna family was informed this evening (Wednesday) that the bodies of Yosef Al-Ziadna and his son Hamza had been found in Gaza. The two were abducted from Kibbutz Holit on October 7, along with Yosef’s children, Aisha and Bilal.
While working in the kibbutz, Yosef and Hamza were kidnapped by Hamas militants. Yosef’s children, Aisha and Bilal, were released after 55 days as part of a staged hostage deal. The family had clung to hope that Yosef and Hamza would also return alive.
“We were updated that Yosef and his son Hamza were found,” said Ali Al-Ziadna, Yosef’s brother. “Our hearts are broken. We wanted them to come back alive, but sadly, they returned without life. Aisha and Bilal were waiting to embrace them. This is a terrible and shocking loss.”
A Man of Unity and Community
Yosef’s cousin, Bashir Al-Ziadna, described him as “a man of people and dialogue, someone who always brought the family together and organized community events. He was a vital figure in our village.”
The Hope Forum for Families of Hostages expressed their condolences:
“We share in the sorrow of Yosef and Hamza Al-Ziadna’s family as they lay their loved ones to rest. These men were abducted during Simchat Torah and later rescued by the heroic efforts of the IDF. We extend our gratitude to the brave soldiers who work tirelessly day and night to bring our loved ones back, many of whom have paid the ultimate price for this mission.”
Hamas Sees No Difference Between Jew and Arab
After their release from Hamas captivity, Aisha and Bilal revealed chilling insights: “From what we heard, Hamas didn’t care if someone was Jewish or Arab. To them, every hostage was a means to an end.” Aisha, Yosef’s daughter, had postponed her engagement after the abduction, refusing to celebrate until her father returned. This tragic chapter is yet another reminder of the indiscriminate cruelty of terror and the profound loss felt by families affected.
