Thousands line route of slain hostage Shlomo Mantzur’s funeral convoy; soldiers salute as coffin passes

Israelis stand on the side of a road for the funeral convoy for the slain hostage Shlomo Mantzur in Rishon Lezion on March 2, 2025 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Israelis stand on the side of a road for the funeral convoy for the slain hostage Shlomo Mantzur in Rishon Lezion on March 2, 2025 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

As the funeral convoy for murdered hostage hostage Shlomo Mantzur nears Kibbutz Kissufim, dozens of soldiers stationed at the side of the road salute.

Thousands of people from across the country and all sectors of society  have lined the streets between Rishon Lezion and the kibbutz for the procession, holding Israeli flags and yellow flags. Many wear sweatshirts with mustache symbols in tribute to Mantzur’s distinctive facial hair.

Authorities said last month that Mantzur, 85, was murdered during his abduction from Kibbutz Kissufim on October 7, 2023.

Born in Baghdad in 1938, he survived the Farhud pogrom in Iraq and immigrated to Israel in 1951 at age 13, becoming one of the founders of Kibbutz Kissufim, where he worked for years in the chicken coop, as well as at an eyewear factory, and learned carpentry as a hobby.

He is survived by his wife, Mazal, five children, 12 grandchildren, and five siblings.

Shlomo Mantzur (Courtesy)

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.