Michel Nissenbaum Laid to Rest in Ashkelon
Hundreds of friends and family members gathered on Sunday at the Ashkelon cemetery to bid farewell to Michel Nissenbaum. Michel, a father and grandfather, was tragically killed in a terrorist attack on October 7 and his body was recovered from Gaza in a daring IDF operation. He was remembered as a hero who helped save many lives.
A Heroic Legacy
Michel's eldest daughter, Chen, spoke emotionally during the funeral: 'From the moment the terrorists answered your phone, I knew our lives would change forever. I apologize for not bringing you back sooner. Over the past seven months, we have done everything to let the world know who you were.' She emphasized Michel's bravery, recalling how he rescued his granddaughter and others during the attack. 'The children will remember what a heroic grandfather you were,' she added.
Michel, originally from Brazil, immigrated to Israel at the age of 13. He worked as a computer technician and guide. On October 7, he left his home to rescue his 4-year-old granddaughter and was abducted by terrorists.
Rescue Mission
The IDF and the Intelligence Division conducted a complex operation to retrieve the bodies of Michel Nissenbaum, Hanan Yablonka, and Orion Hernandez from Gaza. The mission, which relied on precise intelligence, resulted in the elimination of a terrorist and the recovery of the bodies. The joint effort involved months of meticulous planning and execution, culminating in a night raid in Jabaliya.
Commander of the 7th Brigade commended the operation: 'In a joint operation of the 75th Battalion and Yalam, we successfully retrieved three bodies. It is part of our mission to bring them home. I am proud of the forces' actions and the outcome,' he said.
Michel’s family expressed their gratitude to the soldiers who executed the rescue mission, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to bring all abductees home.
- Ayala, Michel's niece, urged the Israeli government to take every possible measure to rescue the abductees still held captive. 'It's over now. I kept praying that you didn't suffer. I want to thank our heroic soldiers who brought you back to the land you loved so much,' she said.
- Hanan Yablonka, whose body was also recovered during the same operation, was buried in Tel Aviv later in the day. His family requested a quiet and respectful funeral, intending it as a show of support for the return of other abductees.
- The meticulous planning and relentless effort of the intelligence units were crucial in the success of the recovery operation. The Shin Bet and IDF units worked together, gathering intelligence over months and synthesizing it into actionable data for field units.
- The joint operation by the IDF and Intelligence units exemplifies the dedication and coordination required to undertake such high-risk missions. It highlights the ongoing commitment to the safety and recovery of Israeli citizens.
