Or Yaakov

Freed November 27, 2023

Or Yaakov, 16, and his brother Yagil, 12, experienced a terrifying ordeal when Hamas terrorists attacked their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of October 7. The brothers, alone at the time, sought refuge in a sealed room, from where they whispered calls for help to their mother, Renana Gome. Despite their efforts to secure themselves, the terrorists breached their sanctuary, with Yagil's plea, "Don’t take me, I’m too young," being one of the last things their mother heard before the call ended with the chilling news from the abductors that they had taken her sons.

This attack resulted in the abduction of 70 individuals from Kibbutz Nir Oz, marking a dark day for the community. The boys' father, Yair (Yaya) Yaakov, 59, and his partner, Meirav Tal, 54, were also captured during the assault on their neighboring home. Tragically, it was later confirmed that Yair was murdered on the same day, with his remains still held in Gaza, further compounding the family's anguish.

Yagil's appearance in a propaganda video by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group added a public dimension to their personal nightmare. The family's hope during this period was that the brothers were together, drawing strength from each other and possibly other captured children, amidst the unimaginable circumstances of their captivity.

The release of Yagil and Or Yaakov on November 27 was followed by Meirav's release on November 28 as part of a temporary ceasefire.