Ohad Ben Ami, dual Israeli-German citizen, released from Gaza after 16 months

Be’eri resident’s wife Raz freed in Nov. 2023 mediation; Ohad released on Feb. 8, 2025, ceasefire-hostage release deal

On February 8, 2025, Ohad Ben Ami, 56, was released from captivity in Gaza as part of phase one of a mediated ceasefire-hostage release deal. He was handed over to the Red Cross, who delivered him to IDF soldiers who escorted him into Israel. Below is what we initially knew of his capture:

Ohad Ben Ami, 54 (now 56), was taken hostage with his wife, Raz Ben Ami, from their home in Kibbutz Be’eri by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, as the terror group slaughtered and kidnapped residents, committing brutal atrocities.

Raz Ben Ami was released on November 29 as part of an extended temporary ceasefire deal brokered by Qatar and the United States between Hamas and Israel.

One of their three daughters, Ela, was also on Be’eri and survived.

She had been in touch with her father on WhatsApp that morning, until the moment he was kidnapped, around 10 a.m.

Another daughter, Natalie Ben Ami, lives nearby on Kibbutz Nahal Oz with her boyfriend and was also in touch with her parents until the moment they were abducted.

Ohad’s last message on WhatsApp said, “Shma Yisrael, they’re here,” citing the foundational Jewish prayer.

He then gave her instructions about his will. Both Ohad and Raz also have German citizenship.

A photo of Ohad appeared on social media two weeks later, showing him in a T-shirt and underwear, being pulled by his shirt by a terrorist.

Two days after Raz Ben Ami was released, she made her way to Tel Aviv’s temporary Hostages Square on Friday to call for her husband’s release.

Raz Ben-Ami, a released hostage whose husband is still captive in Gaza, and other families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists, hold a press conference at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square on December 16, 2023.(Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

The Ben Amis have all been active since Raz’s release, speaking publicly, giving interviews and calling on the government to initiate a new agreement for the release of their loved ones.

“I won’t give up until he’s here,” said Raz Ben Ami, who suffers brain tumors that press on nerves in her skull.

Ben Ami adds that she warned members of the government that the ground offensive in Gaza was putting hostages at risk.

“Unfortunately we were right,” she says, “A military operation alone will not save the lives of the hostages.”