Hostage Survivor Matan Angrest Escorts Younger Brother to IDF Induction

Nearly a year after his return from Hamas captivity, former hostage Matan Angrest accompanied his younger brother, Ofir, to his IDF enlistment office on Tuesday. Their mother, Anat Angrest, shared a poignant post on Instagram reflecting on the contrasting circumstances of their sons' enlistments.

"Two years ago, we enlisted Adi with immense pain in our hearts, Matan had not been with us for 10 months. We so hoped it would be different with you, and today it is happening," Anat wrote. "We are all here accompanying you and cannot stop the tears, still processing every such family occasion. We are incredibly proud of you."

Matan, who was held captive for 10 months, also wished his brother well, writing, "Good luck with your enlistment, my awesome brother." Ofir, five years younger than Matan, was a prominent voice in the campaign for his brother's release.

In a previous interview, Ofir described his close bond with Matan, stating, "Matan and I are more than brothers." He also detailed the emotional toll of his brother's captivity, noting it took him at least an hour each day to recover from the distress. Now, with Matan back home, Ofir has come full circle, enlisting with his brother by his side.