Erez Kalderon

Freed November 27, 2023

Erez Kalderon, a 12-year-old boy, was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas gunmen during the terror attack on Israel on October 7. This event tragically coincided with what should have been a joyous occasion, his 12th birthday, which was instead marked by friends, family, and strangers in Tel Aviv releasing yellow balloons and singing "Happy Birthday" in his absence. The poignant moment highlighted the stark contrast between where Erez should have been—celebrating among loved ones—and his grim reality as a captive in Gaza.

Erez's mother, Hadas Kalderon, expressed her profound despair to ABC News, lamenting the irreversible loss of her son's innocence and childhood due to his kidnapping. The distressing image of Erez being forcibly led to Gaza has circulated widely, underscoring the severity of his situation. Alongside Erez, his 16-year-old sister Sahar and their father, Ofer Hadas, were also taken, leaving the family fractured and in anguish.

Sharon Kalderon, Erez's aunt, revealed in an interview with i24NEWS the dire conditions Erez and Sahar endured during their captivity. Initially kept in a house, they were later moved to tunnels and separated, only to be reunited briefly during their transfer to the Red Cross for release. This fleeting moment of reunion amidst their harrowing ordeal underscored the siblings' prolonged suffering and isolation.

The impact of the kidnapping extends beyond Erez and his immediate family; Hadas Kalderon is also grieving the loss of two other relatives, her mother, Carmela Dan, and niece, Noya Dan. Initially believed to be hostages, their bodies were later discovered near Kibbutz Nir Oz, adding to the family's profound grief.