Hostage Survivor Matan Angarest's Brother Enlists in IDF

Anat Angarest, mother of Matan Angarest, a hostage survivor, shared her pride and emotion as her younger son, Ofir, enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday. This follows the enlistment of their daughter, Adi, two years prior, during which Matan was still held captive.

"We prayed that on this occasion, two years later, Matan would accompany him, and that happened this morning," Anat said in an interview with Kan News on Reshet Bet. She described the morning as "very powerful on a family level," expressing immense pride that her "full family picture" is now complete with both sons serving the country.

Anat recounted how Matan, who was abducted on October 7th, returned to find his younger brother Ofir had grown significantly and had actively advocated for his release. She stated Ofir is enlisting "equipped with a whole heart and full of values," and that the IDF has gained a "serious reinforcement." Ofir has enlisted in a classified role, reportedly close to the events he experienced, aiming to continue growing and contributing.

Reflecting on October 7th, Anat recalled Matan's words about his unit's heroic efforts to defend against the infiltration, acknowledging the "heavy price" that could be paid. She emphasized Matan's pride in his sister Adi's enlistment as a combat soldier while he was captive and his pride in Ofir accompanying him to the IDF. Matan, who was "kidnapped in uniform after a fight," carries "scars of heroism," Anat said, adding to the family's pride in enlisting a third child.

Anat expressed hope for a future where citizens understand the importance of continued service and defense, identifying the "real enemy" as external. She also spoke about the complex and ongoing process of recovery for Matan, noting that even small triggers can bring back the intensity of the events and the pain for those who did not return. As the symbolic dates of October 7th approach, and the one-year anniversary of Matan's return on October 13th, the family is preparing for ceremonies, which bring a mix of joy for Matan's presence and sorrow for the lost.