'Operation Protective Edge has ended’: After 11 years, Lt. Hadar Goldin is finally laid to rest in Israel

After being held 4,118 days in Hamas captivity, the body of Lt. Hadar Goldin, was laid to rest in the military cemetery of Kfar Saba on Tuesday. 

Crowds of tens of thousands came to the funeral, and more lined the streets, as the nation came to support the Goldin family. The failure to secure the release of Hadar Goldin’s body for 11 years was seen by many Israelis as an indication of the government’s lack of concern for the families of those killed in action. 

The 23-year-old Hadar was killed in Rafah in August 2014, when Hamas fighters violated a ceasefire during Operation Protective Edge, exiting a tunnel near the location of a group of IDF soldiers, killing three of them and taking Goldin's body captive. 

On Tuesday, the Goldin family finally achieved a sense of closure, as they watched the body of Hadar brought back and interred with military ceremony. 

Prof. Simcha Goldin, Hadar's father, eulogized his son by speaking of the “special way” that Hadar impacted others. 

“Eleven years and three months ago, we stood here and I said, 'Hadar was wonderful and special in his own way. Hadar was special in the way he touched people, and you are the witnesses to that. Such a man deserves to be spoken about and for everyone to take something from him,” Simcha Goldin said. “If we continue on his path, it will be a victory over evil.” 

He shared how Hadar inspired his soldiers to strive for virtue and discipline. 

“Hadar did not curse and did not allow his disciples and subordinates to curse,” his father shared. “He saw this as a fundamental weakness. I ask you to act this way from this day forward. People of Israel - accept Hadar's words and apply them to yourselves. Look at the virtues in your friends. This is how we can live in this wonderful country. Conduct yourselves in the right way, this is Hadar's legacy.” 

Alongside praise for Hadar, the family also directed a challenging message to the nation’s leaders, who abandoned Hadar in Gaza for so many years. 

“Over 11 years, we abandoned Hadar in enemy captivity,” Simcha said. “We became addicted to money, honor and power. We, the Goldin family, saw the great moral decline through Hadar’s abandonment. We failed to convince Israeli society – until Simchat Torah, October 7.” 

The family did not allow any political figures to attend the funeral ceremony, saying in a statement that “they prefer to keep the event private to only close family members.” 

Hadar’s mother, Leah Goldin, said, “Hadar, we waited for you for 11 years. That's a long time. I really have no explanation for how we did it, except that every moment we were down, someone in the family said: 'But what would Hadar do?' We are here because of all that you are, but every time I waited for you to jump in and say that everything is fine.” 

Hadar’s sister, Ayelet Goldin, said that his return represents “the victory of light.” She noted the importance of bringing him back to the whole nation. 

“In the last two days, we have seen you reflected from every corner of the country,” Ayelet said. 

More than 11 years.
4,120 days.

Hadar Goldin is finally laid to rest in the sacred soil of the land he loved so deeply.

Forever in our hearts, hero. pic.twitter.com/77is5vr3An

— נועה מגיד | Noa magid (@NoaMagid) November 11, 2025

“I understood that you are not just mine, that you belong to everyone. Returning a space to the Land of Israel gives everyone meaning and strength. Israel has dressed itself in splendor,” Ayelet said, making a play on Hadar’s name, which means splendor in Hebrew. 

She also thanked the soldiers, and Israeli society for bringing Hadar back home. 

“I want to address all the soldiers who worked to bring you back. I don't know you and I would like to shake your hand and hug each of you, because you brought me my little brother. Not Hamas – you. 'Thank you' is a poor word, as if a new language needs to be invented. It is Israeli society that returns the kidnapped.” 

Idan Amedi, the acclaimed Israeli actor and musician from the series Fauda, sings at Hadar Goldin’s funeral today.

Hadar was held captive by Hamas for 11 years. Idan’s song is called “Finished.”

As he repeats the word over and over, we can finally start to believe it. 11… pic.twitter.com/jeJpl4VE9Q

— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) November 11, 2025

Hadar’s twin brother, Tzur, spoke of his hope that Hadar would inspire people in the future. 

“I hope that every family in the future will draw strength from the story of Hadar Goldin, who was a good man, who was brought home by good people even though they didn't know him,” Tzur said. “Dear Hadar, all the people gathered here today for you have worked for you for 11 years. They are proud of you and I hope they are proud of themselves too. Thank you to the people of Israel. Today the Goldin family can say Hadar is home.” 

IDF military representatives, including Givati Brigade commander Col. Netanel Shamaka, and Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said that Hadar was an inspiration and “a compass and conscience for the entire people of Israel.” 

Col. Shamaka said Hadar inspired the training of new soldiers in the unit in which he served.  

“We have educated an entire generation of warriors and commanders in your spirit,” Shamaka stated. “In every command course, in every training program, we told your story, we told of spirit, sense of responsibility, integrity, and professionalism.” 

He also noted that Givati soldiers operating in Gaza were constantly thinking of “bringing you back.” 

IDF Chief of Staff Zamir also spoke of the military’s desire to see Hadar returned as part of the Iron Swords War. 

“An entire nation stands today as one great formation of Hadar. We accompany him on his final path – a path he was worthy of long ago,” Zamir stated. “The IDF never gave up for a moment. Hadar’s return was made possible through the operational might of our forces. I pledge that we will continue to uphold this sacred duty.” 

Zamir said the return of Hadar brought Operation Protective Edge to a close, with all soldiers finally returned to Israel. 

“The circle is closed. Operation Protective Edge has ended. Rest in peace, Hadar,” Zamir said. “The path of righteousness you left behind will continue to guide us, with your image engraved on the nation’s heart.”