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**The Return of Eliyahu Margalit’s Remains: A Story of Loss, Grief, and Ongoing Struggle**
On Saturday, Israel announced the heartbreaking return of yet another hostage’s remains from Gaza. The remains, handed over by Hamas through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), were identified as belonging to Eliyahu Margalit, affectionately known as “Churchill.” Margalit, a 75-year-old resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, had been murdered during the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. His body was subsequently taken into Gaza, where it remained for more than two years before being returned to his family for a proper burial.
**A Life Cut Short in Tragedy**
Eliyahu Margalit was a well-known and beloved figure in his community. Early on the morning of October 7, 2023, Margalit went out, as was his habit, to care for his horses at the stables of Kibbutz Nir Oz. That morning, however, turned out to be unlike any other. Hamas militants launched a coordinated and brutal attack on Israel, targeting numerous communities, including Nir Oz. Margalit was killed at the stables, and in a further act of cruelty, his body—along with his horses—was abducted and taken into Gaza. His family, friends, and community were left in agonizing uncertainty for nearly two years, not knowing if or when his remains would ever return home.
Margalit was not the only member of his family affected by the attack. His daughter, Nili Margalit, was also taken hostage by Hamas during the massacre. Unlike her father, Nili was released in November 2023 as part of a brief ceasefire deal that saw the exchange of several hostages. The ordeal has left the Margalit family deeply scarred, yet resilient, holding onto hope and advocating tirelessly for the return of all hostages.
**A Community’s Mourning and a Nation’s Commitment**
The return of Eliyahu Margalit’s remains has been met with a mixture of grief and relief. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, issued a statement expressing the deep sorrow felt by the government and the people of Israel. “The government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Margalit family and all the families of the fallen abductees,” the statement read. Netanyahu’s office emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that every hostage, living or deceased, is returned to their families for a dignified burial.
Margalit’s family echoed this sentiment in their own statement, expressing gratitude for the support they received from the Israeli public and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group formed to advocate for the return of those kidnapped on October 7. “Our beloved Eli has returned home, 742 days after he was murdered and kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz,” they said, vowing not to rest until the last of the hostages is brought home for burial in Israel.
**The Hostages and Missing Families Forum: Advocacy Amid Agony**
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has played a crucial role in keeping the plight of the hostages at the forefront of national and international attention. Established in the immediate aftermath of the October 7 attacks, the Forum unites families of those kidnapped or missing, as well as those released. Upon the return of Margalit’s remains, the Forum extended its condolences to his family and highlighted the ongoing anguish experienced by families whose loved ones remain in Gaza.
“The families of the hostages and the released embrace the family of Eliyahu ‘Churchill’ Margalit at this difficult time, following the return of their beloved Eliyahu z"l to Israel last night for a proper burial,” the Forum stated. They recognized the bittersweet nature of such returns: while there is some solace in finally being able to lay a loved one to rest, there is also the crushing realization that the hearts of the bereaved will never be whole again. The Forum reiterated its commitment to continue advocating until all remaining hostages—eighteen at the time of Margalit’s return—are brought home.
**Margalit’s Legacy: A Cowboy at Heart**
Eliyahu Margalit was more than just a victim of violence; he was a cherished member of his community and a