Former Hamas Captive Elkana Buchbut Welcomes Baby Girl Less Than a Year After Release

Elkana Buchbut, who survived 738 days in Hamas captivity, and his wife Rivka have announced the birth of their daughter, a little sister to their son Ray. The joyful news was shared on social media alongside a verse from Psalms, "A Psalm of Thanksgiving," following their announcement in April that they were expecting another child. This new chapter in the Buchbut family's life comes after a harrowing ordeal that began on October 7, 2023, when Elkana was abducted from the Nova Festival while helping evacuate attendees during the Hamas massacre. Held in Gaza under harsh conditions including violence, hunger, and confinement, Buchbut maintained his Jewish faith by praying daily, observing Shabbat rituals, and fasting on Yom Kippur with fellow captives. During captivity, Hamas released propaganda videos featuring him, which he later revealed were made under duress and threats. He was freed on October 13, 2025, in a prisoner exchange and reunited with his family. Since his return, Buchbut has shared his experiences publicly and published an autobiography titled "738 Days in Hamas Captivity" in January 2026. The birth of his daughter less than a year after his release marks a significant and uplifting milestone for the family.