After 738 days in captivity, Matan Angrest 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 Matan Angrest’s capture:
Matan Angrest, almost 21 when taken hostage by Hamas, was at Nahal Oz on the morning of October 7 when the kibbutz was attacked during the Hamas assault.
Angrest was taken hostage, along with his friend, Itay Chen.
Angrest tried calling his parents early in the morning of October 7, but his parents didn’t hear the phone.
By the time the family realized what was happening near the Gaza border, they tried calling Matan, but couldn’t reach him.
Matan is the eldest of the four Angrest siblings from Kiryat Bialik and shares his birthday, November 28, with his younger sister, Adi Angrest.
They usually celebrate together — this was the first time she marked the day without him.
His family has said in interviews that Matan is a natural student and dedicated soccer player who is a longtime fan of the Maccabi Haifa soccer team.
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