Body of murdered Israeli hostage Meny Godard returned to Israel

The Prime Minister's Office announced on Thursday night that the deceased hostage Menachem (Meny) Godard was identified at the Institute of Forensic Medicine. He was returned to Israel as part of the ceasefire agreement. There are currently three deceased hostages being held in Gaza.

Godard, 73, was murdered on Oct. 7, 2023, in his home in Kibbutz Be’eri alongside his wife, Ayelet. Initially, it was believed that he had been killed, but his body was not found. Only four months later, his family was informed that his body had been taken to Gaza.

Meny and Ayelet left behind four children – Mor, Gal, Bar, and Goni – and six grandchildren. Meny moved to live in Be’eri at age 13, and throughout his life held several central roles in the kibbutz. He worked as a printer at the Be’eri printing house, managed the grocery store and the swimming pool, and served as the kibbutz’s chief steward. In addition, he was a player and coach for the local soccer team.

Godard's children described him as a devoted and loving father and grandfather, a family man who always cared for everyone around him. Alongside his love for his family and the kibbutz, Godard loved the sea and was an avid supporter of the Hapoel soccer team in Tel Aviv.

Last Sunday, the body of IDF Lt. Hadar Goldin was returned to Israel after 11 years in captivity by the Hamas terror organization.

Goldin was killed during a battle in Rafah during the ceasefire at the end of Operation Protective Edge on August 1, 2014, and was abducted by Hamas. Since then, his family waged a campaign to bring him back for burial in Israel. His funeral was held on Tuesday in the presence of thousands.

Last weekend, the body of murdered hostage Lior Rudaeff was returned to Israel. Rudaeff had been the security coordinator of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak. On Monday, Rudaeff was brought to burial in the kibbutz he went out to defend on the morning of Oct. 7.