Brother of Released Hostage Enlists in IDF

Ophir Angarest, whose brother Matan was released from Hamas captivity, enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday. The enlistment ceremony marked a full family reunion, with parents Anat and Chagai Angarest accompanying both sons, Ophir and Matan, to the recruitment center. Two years prior, the family had seen their daughter Adi enlist, with Matan absent.

Anat Angarest expressed pride in Ophir's service, stating, "Ophir is the third child we are enlisting with great pride to serve the country." She recalled the pain of Adi's enlistment when Matan had been missing for 10 months and their hope that Ophir's enlistment would be different, with Matan present. "We prayed we would merit to accompany Ophir, with Matan by his side," she said.

Despite the joyous occasion, the enlistment also brings back fears for the family, as less than a year has passed since Matan's return. Anat described the lingering "fears and triggers" but distinguished it from the "anxiety for a child suffering and in immediate mortal danger for two consecutive years."

Matan, who was abducted on October 7 and released on November 30, 2024, in a hostage deal, was the sole survivor from his tank crew after a fierce battle near Kibbutz Nirim. He had previously led the public campaign for the release of hostages, including himself, during his high school years. Ophir, who was 15 when Matan was abducted, has matured significantly, and Matan expressed pride in his younger brother's development and values.

Ophir received a certificate of appreciation for his efforts in advocating for his brother's release, which included appearances at Knesset committees and playing recordings of Matan from captivity. Matan himself had spoken at the funeral of his commander, Captain Daniel Perez, who was killed in the October 7 attack, and expressed a desire to enter Gaza to rescue another fallen comrade.