IDF and Shin Bet Recover Body of Kidnapped Itay Svirsky from Gaza - murdured on October 7 2023

The announcement was made late on Wednesday evening, confirming that Svirsky's body had been recovered from the Gaza Strip and returned to Israel for burial. His parents, Orit and Rafi Svirsky, were among those murdered in the same Hamas attack on Kibbutz Be'eri.

Brigadier General Daniel Hegary, IDF Spokesperson, confirmed that Itay had been held in captivity along with other abductees, including Yossi Sharabi and Noa Argamani. Hegary expressed condolences to the Svirsky family, noting that while details of the operation to recover the body could not be disclosed, the IDF and Shin Bet had worked tirelessly to bring Svirsky home.

A Long Wait for Closure

The Svirsky family had endured months of uncertainty, with initial reports of Itay’s kidnapping followed by a painful confirmation in January that he had been murdered in captivity. The family had hoped for a positive outcome following reports of possible negotiations for the release of hostages, including Svirsky. In a heartbreaking message, Oeya Argamani, a fellow captive, paid tribute to Svirsky on social media, describing their shared time in captivity and the painful realization that he would not return alive.

"I never thought for a moment that you would return to Israel like this, as a corpse," Argamani wrote. "You were a friend to me, a big brother in that dark place."

Prime Minister Netanyahu Condemns Hamas

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Itay Svirsky, saying, "The heart is torn over the heavy loss of the Svirsky family, who lost both their parents and now their son to Hamas violence."

Netanyahu praised the efforts of Shin Bet and the IDF, saying, "We will continue to work resolutely and tirelessly to return all of our abductees — both the living and the dead." Defense Minister Israel Katz also extended his condolences, commending the security forces for their efforts in returning Svirsky for a proper burial in Israel.

Call for Continued Efforts to Return All Abductees

The Families' Headquarters for the Return of the Abductees issued a statement calling for continued efforts to return the remains of all kidnapped and fallen individuals. The group highlighted that while the recovery of Svirsky’s body brought closure to his family, 36 other families are still awaiting the return of their loved ones.

"Itay's return for a proper burial is an important step in closing a necessary circle for his family," the statement said. "The State of Israel has a moral and ethical obligation to return all the murdered and fallen for a proper burial, and the living to be rehabilitated in the bosom of their families."

Hope Amidst Tragedy

Svirsky’s sister, Merav Svirsky, had earlier shared her cautious optimism after hearing reports of potential hostage negotiations. She had received a brief sign of life from her brother, but tragically, the news of his death came just days later.

"The situation is very difficult. I am very happy to know that he is alive," she had said, only to later receive the devastating confirmation that her brother had been murdered in captivity.

The tragic loss of Itay Svirsky marks one of many heart-wrenching stories in the aftermath of the Hamas-led attacks that have deeply affected countless families. As Israel continues to mourn, the efforts to recover the remaining abductees remain a top priority for the government and security forces.