Thousands Attend Funeral for Israeli Soldier Hadar Goldin After 11 Years of Uncertainty
ISRAEL – In a deeply emotional and long-awaited moment, thousands of Israelis gathered today to mourn Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, whose body was repatriated from Gaza more than eleven years after he was abducted by Hamas. The funeral brought to a close a painful chapter for the Goldin family and the nation, marked by years of uncertainty and accusations of governmental inaction.
“We have been waiting for you for eleven years,” Goldin’s mother, Lea Goldin, said at the funeral, as reported by the news portal “ynet.” “I have always loved you, Hadar, rest in peace.” Her words encapsulated the profound grief and enduring hope that sustained the family throughout the agonizing ordeal.
Lt.Goldin, 23 years old at the time of his death, was killed during a Hamas attack on August 1, 2014, while Israel observed a ceasefire during the Gaza War. He was subsequently kidnapped and his remains held within the Gaza Strip.A memorial service was held for him in August 2014, even as his body remained in enemy hands.
For years, the Goldin family publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, alleging a lack of sufficient effort to secure their son’s return. The repatriation finally occurred on Sunday as part of the recent ceasefire agreement brokered between Israel and Hamas.
Exchange of Remains Marks Step in Ceasefire Implementation
The return of Lt. Goldin’s remains was contingent upon a reciprocal gesture from Israel. In exchange, Israel transferred the bodies of 15 Palestinians held in Israeli custody to the Gaza Strip. This brings the total number of Palestinian bodies returned to Gaza since the ceasefire began a month ago to 315.
The October ceasefire agreement stipulates that Hamas will ultimately hand over the remains of a total of 28 deceased hostages to Israel. As of today, the remains of four hostages remain in Gaza, including one Thai national. The ongoing process underscores the complex and sensitive nature of the ceasefire and the continued efforts to resolve the issue of missing persons.
Source: dpa/yes
