(Aug. 8, 2026 / JNS) In Washington, the Israeli embassy solemnly commemorated the second Hebrew yahrzeit on Saturday. This date marks the anniversary of the brutal murder of six hostages by Hamas militants in a tunnel located in Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, back in August 2024.
The victims who lost their lives in this tragic event are Master Sgt. Ori Danino, Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Eden Yerushalmi.
“As we light the Shabbat candles, we illuminate their memories, keeping their light alive. May the recollection of their lives always be a blessing, and may their light continue to guide us,” was the heartfelt message shared by the embassy on Twitter.
These six individuals were abducted during a Hamas-coordinated onslaught on the northwestern Negev on October 7, 2023.
Tragically, the hostages were discovered within a tunnel 65 feet below ground, sustaining gunshot wounds to both their heads and bodies.
One of the hostages showed signs of being tied up, and they all showed evidence of neglect and not having bathed for a long time.
In addition, there was evidence that they sustained injuries during their kidnapping that were treated over time.
The hostages are believed to have been transported from the northern Gaza Strip to the south, where they were murdered.
Their bodies were recovered by the Israel Defense Forces on Sept. 1, 2024.