Hostage Survivor Elkana Bohbot Names Newborn Daughter Michelle in Touching Tribute

Elkana Bohbot, a survivor of Hamas captivity, and his wife Rivka have revealed the name of their newborn daughter: Michelle. The couple chose the name as a symbolic gesture, a "full circle" moment that honors Bohbot's experience.

During his evacuation by helicopter from the Re'im camp to the hospital after being taken hostage, Bohbot held a sign that read, "Rami, Dad and Mom are on their way!". Now, with the arrival of Michelle, the family recreated the sign to say, "Rami, Dad, Mom, and Michelle are on their way!!".

Bohbot was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, and held captive by Hamas for 738 days. He was released on October 13, 2025, as part of a hostage deal and reunited with his wife Rivka and their elder son, Ram. The birth of Michelle comes less than a year after his release and marks a joyous occasion for the family after their traumatic ordeal.

In April, the Bohbots announced they were expecting another child, sharing a video that showed Elkana wearing a "Dad" hat and their son Ram kissing his mother's belly. Since his return, Bohbot has shared his story, including publishing an autobiography titled "738 Days in Hamas Captivity" in January 2026.