In a solemn announcement by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) today, it was revealed that the bodies of three abductees—Hanan Yablonka, Orion Hernandez Rado, and Michel Nissenbaum—were recovered from a tunnel in the Jabaliya neighborhood in Gaza. The three had been missing since October 7 following a terrorist attack by Hamas and were officially declared kidnapped after 90 days of uncertainty.
Hanan Yablonka, a 42-year-old father of two from Tel Aviv, was one of the victims. He was a vibrant individual who enjoyed good music, parties, and life in general. Hanan had planned to attend a party in the north but changed his plans to go to the Nova Barai party. His last known whereabouts were captured on security cameras in Bari before he was tragically abducted. The Israeli intelligence sources have confirmed that Hanan and the other abductees were murdered on the day they were taken.
Orion Hernandez, a 31-year-old citizen of Mexico and father of a young girl, attended the Nova festival on October 7 with his partner, the late Shani Luke. Orion's friends attempted to contact him during the attack and were answered by a Hamas terrorist claiming he was alive but would remain in captivity. Sadly, Orion's fate was sealed that day along with his fellow abductees.
Michel Nissenbaum, a 59-year-old father of two daughters from Sderot, had rushed out on October 7 to rescue his 4-year-old granddaughter from an attack. Michel's heroic actions led him into the hands of Hamas terrorists. For 60 excruciating days, his family had no knowledge of his fate until it was confirmed he too was being held captive. Tragically, his grandson Oz was born during his captivity, a family moment he never got to experience.
The IDF's rescue operation was conducted with the cooperation of Division 98 and the Shin Bet. The families of the abductees received the heart-wrenching news of the recoveries, which they described as a crucial but painful closure. The headquarters of the families of the abductees issued a statement emphasizing the ongoing pain experienced by the families of the 125 abductees and the urgency of negotiating for the return of all kidnapped individuals either for rehabilitation or burial.
The losses of Hanan, Orion, and Michel serve as a stark reminder of the lives devastated by the ongoing conflict. Their memories and the calls for their return highlight the need for persistent efforts to bring all kidnapped individuals back to their families, dead or alive.
- Hanan Yablonka, known for his love of life and music, had planned a seemingly joyous event prior to his tragic abduction. His story highlights the unpredictability and profound impact of such terrorist incidents on innocent lives.
- Orion Hernandez’s story, marked by a heartbreaking phone call answered by a Hamas terrorist, adds a grim layer to the narrative of those abducted during the Nova festival. His partner, Shani Luke, had been pulled out of Gaza a week before, further cementing his story in the annals of personal tragedies stemming from conflicts.
- Michel Nissenbaum’s heroism in attempting to rescue his granddaughter only to be captured by terrorists is a poignant testament to the individual acts of bravery amidst widespread violence. Michel, who never saw his grandson born during his captivity, symbolizes the personal sacrifices made during such crises.
