The body of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin was returned to Israel for a proper Jewish burial.
By Rachel Avraham
Following the completion of the identification process by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin that his body has been returned for burial, Arutz Sheva reported.
According to the report, Lieutenant Hadar Goldin fell in combat during Operation Protective Edge following a violation of the ceasefire by the Hamas terrorist organization in Rafah on August 1st, 2014, during which his body was abducted. Since that day, the body of Hadar has been held by Hamas in Gaza. For more than 4,118 nights and days, his family has never stopped fighting for his return, and the people of Israel have walked beside them in their struggle, Arutz Sheva added.
The Times of Israel reported that a senior level Turkish official told Channel 12 news that Turkey played a key role in securing the return of Goldin’s remains to Israel, adding that Ankara was also working to evacuate Hamas operatives trapped in southern Gaza, in the same area where the body was held. Meanwhile, a Palestinian source told Israel’s Kan broadcaster that Turkey, with US support, is leading efforts to pressure Hamas into returning the bodies of the four remaining hostages in Gaza.
Hadar was born in February 1991 in Ashhar, a mixed religious and secular community, Israel Hayom reported. According to the report, Hadar was a talented musician, painter and sculptor. He attended the Bnei Akiva youth movement and attended the Bnei David pre-military academy in Eli, Israel Hayom added.
Hadar enlisted in the Givati Brigade and was accepted into the reconnaissance battalion, Israel Hayom noted. According to the report, he excelled throughout his service and fulfilled his ambition of becoming a team commander in the elite unit. He was engaged to his fiancée, Edna, and the two had set a date for their wedding prior to his untimely death, Israel Hayom noted. Hadar was only 23 years old when he was tragically killed.
President Isaac Herzog told Arutz Sheva, “After eleven long and painful years, too long, Lt. Hadar Goldin, a hero of Israel, has today been returned to his homeland. In the eleven years that have passed since he fell in battle and was abducted during Operation Protective Edge, the image of Hadar has stood on my desk in the various positions I held, and his memory has remained etched in my heart throughout. During these years, in which pain, hope, and prayer accompanied the Goldin family and the entire people of Israel, Michal and I had the privilege of getting to know Simcha, Leah, Ayelet, Chami, Tzur, and the entire beloved family up close.”
He added: “The people of Israel embrace Hadar’s family today with deep love and boundless admiration for their unwavering strength and relentless, tireless struggle to bring Hadar home. For the hope that never dimmed, for their dignity, Zionism, and unshakable faith that guided their every step. We will remember and honor beloved Hadar. May his memory be a blessing.”
Photo from ספיר ברונזברג / IDF Spokesperson’s Unit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deaths_and_ransoming_of_Oron_Shaul_and_Hadar_Goldin#/media/File:Hadar_Goldin,_2016.jpg
