A month after the previous IDF rescue of five kidnapped bodies in a special operation in Khan Yunis, the IDF had carryied out yet another rescue: this morning (Tuesday) the bodies of the hostages Haim Perry (80), Yoram Metzger (80), Yagev Buchstab (35), Nadav Popalwel (51) and Avraham Munder (79) were rescued from a tunnel in the Hamed neighborhood in the Khan Yunis area during a military operation of the 98th Division.
Haim Perry (80)
Perry was kidnapped from his home in Nir Oz. He was a man of culture and art. He taught cinema at Sapir College, was an Israeli sculptor, curator and multidisciplinary artist. Most of his sculptures are placed throughout Kibbutz Nir Oz and in the sculpture garden he founded. He believed in peace and assisted many times in transporting Gazan patients to Israeli hospitals alongside his wife Osnat. His son Daniel was murdered on October 7th.
On the day of the attack, a terrorist entered the home of the Perry family, and when he tried to open the door of the bomb shelter, Perry struggled with him, resisted, held the door firmly and when he opened it with force he hit the head of the terrorist who fell to the ground. In those precious moments, Haim helped his wife Osnat hide in the shelter like this Let the terrorists think he is alone.
Other terrorists who arrived at the scene told him that if he doesn’t resist he would not be harmed, so Osnat saw from the hiding place how he was taken away. In December 2023, a psychological terror video was published in which “a life signal”came from Perry, together with the hostages Yoram Metzger and Amiram Ko0per. On 3.6.24 it was learned that he was murdered in Hamas captivity.
Yoram Metzger (80)
Metzger was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his wife Tamar. Yoram worked at the Nirlat factory, together with the hostage Avraham Munder, and in recent years worked in the kibbutz’s garage. His wife Tamar was released in the hostage deal on 28.11.23. Metzger was also seen during a Hamas psychological terror video published on 18.12.23 that broadcasts, alongside Haim Peri and Amiram Kooper. On June 3, 2024, it was announced that Metzger was murdered in captivity by Hamas.
After word of Yoram’s death became known, his son Guy said in an interview to Ynet that “We will wait until he arrives, even 10 years if necessary. If a soldier, God forbid, dies trying to bring the body, I will feel very bad. The bodies can be returned by negotiation . My father was murdered and his friends were murdered, they are not going anywhere.”
At Kibbutz Nir Oz they paid tribute: “In a military operation, the body of our friend Yoram Metzger was recovered today, who was kidnapped on Saturday 7.10 and murdered in captivity. Yoram will be remembered in all of our hearts as a pleasant and smiling man, who always made everyone feel immediately at home.”
“The return of his body is the greatest proof of all the importance of a deal that will return our sons and daughters as soon as possible, before it is too late,” they added. “The Metzger family hopes that no soldier will be harmed during the military operation. The return of the bodies of our loved ones is important, but not at the cost of harm or injury to our good sons who defend the State of Israel.”
Yagev Buchstab (35)
Buchstab was kidnapped along with his wife Rimon from their home in Kibbutz Nirim. Yagav studied street theater and juggling, he was self-taught, knowledgeable and inquisitive, read many books, loved music, played and built musical instruments, and was also a member of several bands. His wife Rimon was released in the hostage deal in November, and became famous after she came out of captivity with her head held high, and did not agree to cooperate with the acting of the Hamas terrorists and the representatives of the Red Cross who tried to broadcast a smiling picture of the situation at the time of the release. On July 22, 2024, Kibbutz Nirim announced the murder of Yagave in the captivity of Hamas.
Nadav Popwell (51)
Popelwell was kidnapped with his mother Hana Perry from their home in Kibbutz Nirim. He was a family man who loved spending time with his beloved nephews. Nadav was a computer guy, loved science fiction, thrillers and bridge. His mother was released in the first wave of the November hostage deal. On June 3, 2024, it was announced that the late Nadav was murdered by Hamas.
Avraham Monder (79)
Monder was kidnaped from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his wife Ruthi, his daughter Keren and his grandson Ohad (9) who were all released in the first round of the kidnapping deal in November, after 49 days in captivity. Avraham’s son, the late Roy Monder, was murdered in the attack on October 7th.
Kibbutz Nir Oz’s announcement states that “the kibbutz announces with great sadness the murder of the late Avraham Monder in captivity in Gaza after suffering physical and mental torture for months.”
It was also reported that Monder “worked at the Nirlat factory, was a warm man and loved to sing. We will always remember Monder, with his clear voice, his warm smile and his endless love for his family and the kibbutz.” The late Monder was the legendary storekeeper of the Nirlat factory, a member of the legendary Nichohi Eshkol choir, and a talented singer.
Eyal Mor, the nephew of the late Avraham Monder, said in an interview with Channel B of Can: “The IDF returned his body that was found in a tunnel in Khan Yunis. According to initial estimates, the death happened already in March.”
Alex Danzig
Danzig was kidnapped from his home in Nir Oz. He was the son of Holocaust survivors, a history teacher and historian, and for decades he led youth delegations to Poland and served as chairman of the Polish desk at Yad Vashem. In addition, he managed Nir Oz’s water system. On 7/22/24 it was announced that Alex was murdered by Hamas .
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu commented on the rescue of the bodies of the hostages: “Tonight our forces returned the bodies of six of our hostages who were held by the murderous terrorist organization Hamas: the late Avraham Monder, the late Alex Danzig, the late Haim Perry, the late Yagav Buchstab, Yoram The late Metzger and the late Nadav Poplewell.”
Our hearts ache for the terrible loss. My wife Sarah and I send our condolences from the bottom of our hearts to the dear families. I would like to thank the brave soldiers and commanders of the IDF and Shin Bet for their bravery and determined action. The State of Israel will continue to make every effort to return all of our abductees – both alive and dead.”
