BoD 'Adopt a Hostage'

Alexander was abducted on October 7th from his home in Nir Oz. Alex was born in Warsaw to Holocaust survivor parents and immigrated to Israel with his family as a child. He was one of the founders of the trips to Poland, worked for 30 years at 'Yad Vashem,' and trained hundreds and thousands of guides. His friends in Poland opened a Facebook page for him, where they upload photos, memories, and requests to bring him back home.

Carmel is an occupational therapist. On October 7th, Carmel was abducted by Hamas from her parents' home in Kibbutz Be’eri. Her mother, Kinneret, was murdered by terrorists on the kibbutz. Her sister in law, Yarden Roman-Gat, was also abducted and returned after 54 days in captivity. Those who know her describe Carmel as an exceptional woman with strength of character and determination. Hostages held with her testified that she initiated yoga and meditation sessions in prison, and thanks to her, they maintained composure. Carmel loves people, and her embrace is always warm and genuine, the kind you never want to let go of.

Twins Gali and Ziv Barman, 26 years old, live in Kibbutz Kfar Gaza. On October 7th, both of them were abducted from their homes; it is not known whether together or separately.  They are very similar and best friends since childhood, sharing the same hobbies. They love football, are fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Liverpool, wonderful uncles to their nephews, the heart and soul of every event they attend together.

Maxim was abducted from the party in Re'im.   He lives in Tirat HaCarmel with a single mother and a his 11 year old younger brother.  He is considered the family's backbone, and he himself is a father to a 3-year-old daughter. He arrived at the party by chance after accepting a spontaneous invitation from his friends. He planned to arrive for a few hours and return home. When the first missiles started, he sent his mother a message: 'Mom, everything is fine, I'm slowly coming home.' A few minutes later, he wrote, 'Mom, I love you.' Since then, she hasn't heard from him.

Ron, 53 years old, married, and a father of two daughters. Ron went out for a bike ride in the area of Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7th when the sirens started. He tried to return home but encountered a group of terrorists. After almost two months of uncertainty, the family received notification that he had been abducted to Gaza. Ron is a family man, a caring father; one of his passions is cycling. Every weekend, he goes cycling in a different place in the country. He loves concerts and music, and is also a talented drummer. He enjoys flying and traveling the world, exploring new places.

Uriel was 35 and married with two children. He was kidnapped from the party in Kibbutz Re’im but in March it was confirmed that he had since been killed. His family descried him as a true man of kindness. All his life, he helped the weak and those in need. If he heard of someone in distress, he would rush to help them in every way, spiritually, emotionally, or physically. His name reflects who he was – Uriel, the light of God, he brings light. Our thoughts are with his family.