The family of Ofir Tzarfati, a 27-year-old Israeli kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, is living through unimaginable pain. On Thursday, they buried him for the third time in Kiryat-Ata, near Haifa.
Ofir was taken to Gaza along with hundreds of others during the Hamas attack. He died early in captivity. In December 2023, Israeli forces recovered part of his body, allowing his family to hold a funeral. More of his remains returned home in March 2024, leading to a second burial.
But the torment continued. In August 2024, Hamas released a photo of Ofir’s body to intimidate other hostage families. This week, they handed over what they claimed was another hostage’s remains. Forensic tests later showed it was more of Ofir’s body instead.
His mother, Richelle Tzarfati, expressed unbearable grief. “No mother should stand three times over her son’s grave,” she said. “Each time it feels new — the pain never fades.”
Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire deal, and the Red Cross condemned the fake recovery as “unacceptable.” Ofir’s story reflects the deep sorrow and anger still gripping Israel over the Gaza hostage crisis.
