After 738 days, Maxim Herkin released from Hamas captivity in Gaza
The Tirat Hacarmel resident has a young child and supports his mother and little brother; abducted from the Supernova rave on October 7, 2023
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After 738 days in captivity, Maxim Herkin was released on October 13, 2025, as part of phase one of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza. This is the story of Maxim Herkin’s capture:
Maxim Herkin, 35, was kidnapped from the Supernova desert rave on October 7, where Hamas terrorists assaulted the party, killing more than 360 and taking at least 40 hostage.
The Tirat Hacarmel resident has a 3-year-old daughter and is the primary provider for his mother and 11-year-old brother.
He went to the Supernova outdoor party almost by chance, invited by friends at the last minute. It was the first time he had gone to a trance rave.
Herkin planned on going to the party for a few hours before heading home.
When the Hamas attack began, Herkin tried to leave. He texted his mother at 7:12 a.m., writing to her that everything was fine and that it would take him a long time to get home to their northern community.
A few minutes later, she received another message from Herkin: “Mom, I love you.”
According to social media posts written by Herkin’s friends, who also opened a Paybox group to help support his family, Herkin was initially considered “missing” as he has not been identified as an official Hamas hostage in Gaza, nor has his body been found.
The Times of Israel Community.