According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the body of an who advocates attest “fought heroically” to defend his community during a “fierce battle” on October 7, 2023, has been repatriated by terrorists for burial.
The Israeli military announced that Lior Rudaeff, 61, has been returned after he “fell during battle while defending his community during the Oct. 7 Massacre” and was subsequently “taken captive by the .”
“Lior is brought home after 763 days,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum reported on Saturday. They added, “On the morning of October 7th, Lior, with the emergency response team of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, fought heroically near the kibbutz gate and stopped many terrorists.”
The organization further stated, “After a fierce battle, Lior was killed, and his body was kidnapped to Gaza along with Tal Haimi of blessed memory, whose body was later returned for burial.”
The IDF confirmed Rudaeff’s death on May 7, 2024. He is survived by his wife and four children.
“The IDF expresses profound condolences to the family, continues its utmost efforts to return all deceased hostages, and is prepared for the ongoing implementation of the agreement,” it stated, referring to a current cease-fire and hostage release arrangement with Hamas.
The IDF additionally stated, “Hamas is required to fulfill its part of the agreement and make the necessary efforts to to their families and to a dignified burial.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum noted that Rudaeff was born in Argentina and immigrated to Israel when he was 7 years old.
It was also added that “Those close to him say he had a generous spirit and volunteered for 40 years as an ambulance driver in the Eshkol Regional Council and as a member of the Nir Yitzhak emergency response team. He always volunteered first and extended a helping hand to everyone.”
As of Saturday, the organization reported that the bodies of five deceased hostages continue to be held in the Gaza Strip.