BoD 'Adopt a Hostage'

Carmel is an occupational therapist. On 7th October, 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 7th October, 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.

Alexander was 75 and abducted on 7th October from his home in Nir Oz. He 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.

Ron was 53 and married, with two daughters. He went out for a bike ride in the area of Kibbutz Be’eri on 7th October when the sirens started. He tried to return home but encountered a group of terrorists. After almost two months of uncertainty, the family were told that he had been abducted to Gaza, but on 18th May 2024 it was confirmed that he had been killed. Ron was a family man, a caring father; one of his passions was cycling. Every weekend, he went cycling in a different place in the country. He loved concerts and music, and was also a talented drummer. He enjoyed flying and travelling the world, exploring new places. Our thoughts are with his family.

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.