Hamas Returns Bodies of Hostages, Including Eitan Levy, to Israel
GAZA – Hamas on Sunday released the bodies of four Israelis adn one Palestinian individual held in Gaza, bringing a measure of closure – though not peace - to families who have endured months of agonizing uncertainty following the October 7th attacks. Among those returned were Tamir Nimrodi, uriel Baruch, and Eitan Levy, all confirmed to have been murdered while in Hamas captivity. The palestinian individual’s identity and circumstances surrounding their death remain under investigation.
The return of the bodies, facilitated by Qatari and Egyptian mediation, marks a somber development in the ongoing conflict. For families like that of Eitan Levy,it ends a harrowing period of waiting for confirmation of his fate,but delivers the devastating news of his death. The recovery of remains is crucial for religious burial rites and allows families to begin the grieving process, though the circumstances of their deaths and the documented desecration of bodies have added layers of trauma. The exchange underscores the brutal realities of the conflict and the immense suffering endured by both Israelis and Palestinians.
Eitan Levy, 53, was abducted from the Supernova music festival on October 7th. it took 40 days for his family to receive confirmation he was being held captive in Gaza, and in december 2023, they were informed he had been murdered before being taken into the territory. In August 2024, the family made the challenging decision to release graphic footage showing Levy’s body being driven through the streets of Gaza and subjected to abuse by Gazans.
Following confirmation of his death,Levy’s family held a memorial service and sat shiva,the weeklong mourning period,but were unable to hold a conventional funeral. He is survived by his son Shahar, his fiancée Shir, and his sister Sigi.
Levy was also a significant figure in the lives of the three children his ex-wife,Aviva,shared with her wife,chen: Sunny,River,and Reef. Eitan and Aviva married in 1999, and shahar was born in 2001. After their divorce, eitan remained deeply involved in the blended family, visiting almost daily after his night shifts as a taxi driver and joining them for Friday night dinners.
Friends and family described Levy as ”a warm and loving family man who always took care of those around him before himself,” according to a statement from a hostage forum.”He was a responsible man who was dedicated to every place he came to and everyone talked about his big heart. His biggest loves were his only son, Shahar, and his two dogs.”
Shahar Levy told Laisha magazine that his father “was very family-oriented and very happy. He didn’t have a simple life, but even when he had sad moments, he didn’t let us feel them.Anytime he would come over – and he would come to us a lot - it was joyous.”
