Israeli hostage Lior Rudaeff’s body was returned after he heroically defended his community during the October 7 massacre, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
The body of Lior Rudaeff, an Israeli hostage who advocates say “fought heroically” to protect his community, has been returned following his death during a fierce battle on October 7, 2023. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Rudaeff, 61, was killed while defending Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak from terrorists and was subsequently taken captive by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization.
On Saturday, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced that Rudaeff’s body had been returned for burial. “Lior is brought home after 763 days,” the forum stated. They detailed how, on the morning of October 7, Rudaeff fought valiantly alongside the kibbutz’s emergency response team, successfully stopping many terrorists at the kibbutz gate.
Despite their efforts, Rudaeff was ultimately killed in the confrontation, and his body was taken to Gaza. Alongside him, the body of Tal Haimi, who was also killed during the attack, was later returned for burial.
The IDF confirmed Rudaeff’s death on May 7, 2024. He is survived by his wife and four children. In a statement, the IDF expressed deep condolences to Rudaeff’s family and reiterated its commitment to returning all deceased hostages. The military is also prepared for the ongoing implementation of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas.
“Hamas is required to fulfill its part of the agreement and make the necessary efforts to return all the hostages to their families and to a dignified burial,” the IDF added.
According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, Rudaeff was born in Argentina and immigrated to Israel at the age of seven. Those who knew him described him as having a generous spirit, noting that he volunteered for 40 years as an ambulance driver in the Eshkol Regional Council and as a member of the Nir Yitzhak emergency response team. He was known for always being the first to volunteer and for extending a helping hand to everyone in need.
As of Saturday, the forum reported that the bodies of five deceased hostages remain in the Gaza Strip.
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