After 11 Years, Hadar Goldin Is Finally Buried in Israel

The body of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin was returned to Israel on Sunday after more than 11 years of being held in the Gaza Strip. He has now been laid to rest in the military cemetery in Kfar Saba, ending a chapter of agonizing uncertainty for his family and the nation.

Goldin, aged 23 at the time, was killed on August 1, 2014 while serving in the Israel Defense Forces Givati Reconnaissance Unit during Operation Protective Edge. At the time of his death, he was working to dismantle a tunnel in Rafah when militants struck. His body was taken into Gaza and remained unrecovered for 4,118 days.

The return of his remains came as part of a broader truce and exchange framework. A statement from the Prime Minister’s office confirmed that the remains were handed over via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and given to Israeli authorities for identification and burial.

At his funeral on Tuesday morning, the IDF Chief of Staff described Goldin’s return as the “official end” of Operation Protective Edge, saying that the soldier had become “a compass and conscience for the entire people of Israel.” The words acknowledged both the years of waiting and the emotional weight carried by the case.

Goldin’s family had long campaigned publicly and persistently to bring him home. His mother reflected on the ordeal of 11 years saying:

“That's a long time. A very long time… Every time we nearly broke, someone in the family would jump in and say: ‘But what would Hadar say?’”

His father emphasized that Hadar’s legacy must live on in the character of the society and called for continuing a path of devotion, creativity, and strength.

Though this is a moment of closure for one family, the IDF confirms that there are still four bodies of Israelis being held in Gaza as of the latest reports.

The return of Hadar Goldin stands as a powerful example of the national commitment to bringing home those who gave their lives in service to the State. It underscores Israel’s enduring obligation to its fallen soldiers, and to the families who wait for so long.

In his memory and service, we honour the State of Israel and the values our soldiers defend. Please share this story and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Israel and the region.