NEW YORK — The death of a 73-year-old man with ties to New York has reportedly been confirmed more than two months after he was shot in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, officials announced Friday.
The Hostage and Missing Persons Families Forum announced the death of Gadi Haggai, father of four children and grandfather of seven. Haggai and his wife, Judi Weinstein, were reportedly out for a morning walk when Hamas militants invaded Kibbutz Nir Oz, kidnapping the couple along with hundreds of others on October 7.
Haggai’s death was also reported by a spokesman for Kibbutz Nir Oz, who stated that the 73-year-old died on October 7 and was taken to Gaza.
“Judi remains a HamAs captive,” the Family Forum statement said. “Hamas still holding Gadi’s body in Gaza.”
The couple was reportedly shot during the attack. Weinstein was able to spread the word that she and Haggai had been shot and that her husband suffered a critical head wound, according to Haaretz.
Few details are known about Haggai’s passing, including how he died.
“He will be remembered as a talented man, with a keen intellect and a love of wind instruments, who played since he was a child. He was a talented chef and, with his wife, Judi, lived an active and healthy lifestyle “reads a statement from the family.
“We continue to urge our leaders to do everything possible to bring our parents home to us. “This latest news about Gad’s death only reaffirms the urgency with which we must bring all the hostages home.”
Haggai was born and raised in Kibbutz Ein HaShofet. His 70-year-old wife was born in Goshen, New York (Orange County), according to Rep. Pat Ryan.
This story is developing.
2023-12-22 19:20:04
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