Nurse Nili Margalit was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023 from Kibbutz Nir Oz and freed on November 30, 2023. (Courtesy)
Nili Margalit was released on November 30 as part of an extension of a temporary ceasefire deal brokered by Qatar and the United States between Hamas and Israel. This is the story of her capture:
Nili Margalit, 41, was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists at her Kibbutz Nir Oz home on October 7, when they invaded the community, killing and kidnapping more than one-quarter of the kibbutz.
Margalit, a nurse at Soroka Hospital, was in touch with several friends the morning of the attack. At the time, she was in her safe room with her dog and texted that the terrorists had been walking around “for hours.”
She reported that she was locked in her safe room and could hear gunfire outside.
After 9:12 a.m., there was no communication from her.
Her Nir Oz house was completely burned, and it took several weeks for the army to confirm that Margalit was taken hostage to Gaza.
When former hostage Yocheved Lifshitz was released on October 23, she reported that Margalit had been held captive with her and was working as a nurse, caring for people. “Just like she always does,” said one of Margalit’s friends in a Kan video.
Medical professionals from all over the world have been photographed with Margalit’s “kidnapped” sign, raising awareness to bring her home.
Margalit was released from Gaza on November 30, 2023. A day later, on December 1, 2023, the IDF confirmed the death of her father, Eliyahu Margalit, whose body remains in Gaza.
Kibbutz Nir Oz resident Eliyahu Margalit’s death was confirmed by the IDF on December 1, 2023. His body remains in Gaza. (Courtesy)
Bridging the US-Israel divide
While the heart of The Times of Israel’s work takes place in Israel, so many of Jerusalem’s actions are influenced by those in Washington’s halls of power.
As ToI’s US bureau chief, I work to gain access to decision-makers in the United States government so our readers can understand the US-Israel relationship beyond the platitudes evident in public statements.
I'm proud of our ability to inform without sensationalizing, our dedication to be fast while ensuring accuracy, and our determination to present Israel's entire, complex story.
Your support through The Times of Israel Community helps us continue to keep readers around the world properly informed about the critical Israel-US relationship. Do you appreciate our news coverage? If so, please join the ToI Community today.
- Jacob Magid, The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel eleven years ago - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you, David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
