Released hostage Ohad Munder-Zichri becomes Rubik’s Cube tester

Within weeks of being released from captivity in Gaza, Ohad Munder-Zichri was appointed a tester for some new versions of Rubik’s Cube, marking the 50th anniversary of the puzzle, the Hebrew-language website Walla reported.

Munder-Zichri, 9, is known as a cuber in Rubik’s Cube parlance, an expert in solving the colorful, square puzzles.

While in captivity, where he marked his ninth birthday, 1,500 Rubik’s Cubes were set up to portray Ohad’s face on Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.

For Ohad, the real thrill is in solving Rubik’s Cubes, which he initially learned how to do from watching YouTube videos.

He may have finally met his match when Ronnen Harary, a Canadian entrepreneur whose company, Spin Master, owns Rubik’s Cube, came to meet Ohad and brought several new Rubik’s Cubes that he wanted Ohad to try out.

South Africa-born Harary, who is Jewish, has co-created several household name brands and characters through his Spin Master company, including the Paw Patrol preschool series and Bakugan balls and television series. The company acquired the Hungarian Rubik’s Brand Ltd. in 2022.

Harary, the main donor for the citizen toy drive in Israel for evacuees, brought Ohad two unique Rubik’s Cubes, one with the signature of Ernő Rubik, the Hungarian inventor and architect who created Rubik’s Cube, and another with the signature of the current world champion cuber.

Ohad’s cousin said in a Walla interview (Hebrew) that solving Rubik’s Cubes is what Ohad loves best, but he’s also returning slowly to routine, including going back to school.

The Rubik’s Cubes are helping him, said Ohad’s cousin. He’s also waiting for his grandfather, Avraham Munder, to be released from captivity in Gaza, where he marked his 79th birthday.