Ziv Berman released from Hamas captivity after 738 days in Gaza

After 738 days in captivity, Ziv Berman 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 Ziv Berman’s capture:

Ziv Berman, 26, is being held captive in Gaza, after being abducted by Hamas terrorists who overran Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7.

He was abducted along with his twin brother, Gali Berman, both of whom live in the ‘young generation’ neighborhood of Kfar Aza. Out of 37 residents of that neighborhood, 11 people were murdered and seven were kidnapped and taken to the Strip — among the 1,200 who were killed and 240 kidnapped when gunmen rampaged through southern Israeli communities.

His older brother, Liran Berman, 36, didn’t spend the Simhat Torah Shabbat with the rest of his family, because his wife had tested positive for Covid, he told The Guardian.

Liran was at home in Zichron Ya’akov, when sirens began sounding on Shabbat morning. He Whatsapped his mother, Talia, 60, Ziv and Gali and a third brother, Idan, 32, as they hid in their safe rooms.

Berman texted with his younger twin brothers for hours, asking how they were doing, and whether they were safe. In the evening, they stopped answering.

Hours later, Talia and the boys’ father, Doron, 64, who has Parkinson’s disease and dementia, were freed. Idan was released the following afternoon.

It took several days to regain control over Kfar Aza, where more than 60 of 400 residents were murdered and 18 abducted. During this time, the Berman didn’t know if Ziv and Gali were dead or kidnapped.

After 10 days of attending countless funerals — sometimes several in one day — the Bermans were told by Israeli officers that the twins were kidnapped by Hamas.

“When we were told they were kidnapped, we were joyful,” said Liran Berman to The Guardian. “It’s such a weird thing. It was a glimmer of hope.”