Gaza Hostage Survivor Attends Brother's IDF Induction

Matan Angrest, who was held captive in Gaza for months, on Tuesday accompanied his younger brother Ofir to his induction into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This event held significant emotional weight for the family, as Matan had been a hostage when their sister Adi joined the army two years prior. Their mother, Anat Angrest, told Kan Reshet Bet that the family had prayed for Matan's presence at Ofir's enlistment, a wish that was now fulfilled.

Ofir Angrest, five years younger than Matan, was a vocal advocate for his brother's release during his captivity. He actively participated in Knesset discussions and rallies for hostages while Matan was held by Hamas. In a symbolic gesture after receiving his enlistment order in the summer of 2025, Ofir presented it to the chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Boaz Bismuth, requesting it be returned only after Matan's safe return.

Matan Angrest, a tank crew member, was captured on October 7, 2023, at the Nahal Oz military post after fighting Hamas terrorists. He was taken hostage wounded and unconscious. Three of his crewmates, Daniel Peretz, Itay Chen, and Tomer Leibovitz, were killed in the fighting.

Ofir's enlistment marks the closing of a painful period for the Angrest family. Anat Angrest expressed her emotions in a message to her son, stating, "We are all here to accompany you and we cannot hold back our tears." Matan also conveyed his best wishes to Ofir for his army service.