Freed hostage Ofer Calderon raises both hands and blows kisses to friends outside the Sheba Medical Center on his return to Israel, February 1, 2025. (Eyal Hadani/AFP)
Released hostage Ofer Calderon arrives at the Sheba Medical Center in central Israel where he will meet family members and be evaluated by doctors.
Dozens of cyclists and friends from a club Calderon belongs to ride behind his vehicle, accompanying it from the helicopter to the hospital building.
Freed hostage Ofer Calderon raises both hands and blows kisses to friends outside the Sheba Medical Center on his return to Israel, February 1, 2025 (X screenshot, used in accordance with clause 27a of the copyright law)
Caldron insists the van stop so he can get out and greet his friends.
He waves clenched fists in the air and blows them kisses, as they call out to him that he’s “a champion.”
“Medical teams and professionals at the hospital are fully prepared to receive him and provide comprehensive medical care, including psychological support and addressing any additional needs,” the Health Ministry says in a statement.
“We would like to remind the public, even more strongly than on previous occasions, that these are sensitive times for the returned captives and their families. We urge everyone to respect their privacy,” the ministry says.
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