Who Was Judy Weinstein? A Tribute to the Israeli-American Teacher and Pacifist Killed by Hamas

Judy Weinstein was a 70-year-old Israeli-American woman who was kidnapped and killed by Hamas terrorists during their attack on Israel in October 2023. She was the oldest female hostage held by Hamas and her body remains in Gaza. Her husband, Gadi Haggai, 73, was also abducted and later confirmed dead by the Israeli authorities. Their tragic story has touched the hearts of many people around the world, who are calling for their bodies to be returned to their families.

A peaceful life in a kibbutz

Judy Weinstein was born in New York and moved to Israel in 1974, where she met and married Gadi Haggai, a jazz musician and chef. They settled in Kibbutz Nir Oz, a communal settlement near the border with Gaza, where they raised four children and seven grandchildren. Judy was a retired teacher and a pacifist, who loved nature and animals. She and Gadi were active members of the kibbutz community, where they had many friends and neighbors.

A morning walk turned into a nightmare

On October 7, 2023, Judy and Gadi went for their usual morning walk, when they heard sirens and explosions. They were caught in the crossfire of a surprise Hamas invasion, which targeted several locations along the border. Judy Weinstein managed to call a paramedic and report that they were shot by terrorists on a motorcycle and that Gadi was badly wounded. She also recorded a video of the scene and shared it with her family in a group chat. That was the last time they heard from her.

The paramedic tried to send an ambulance, but it was hit by a rocket. The Israeli army launched a search operation, but could not find the couple. They were taken by the Hamas gunmen into Gaza, where they became hostages. Their fate remained unknown for months, until December 22, when the Israeli authorities announced that Gadi had died in captivity. His body was identified by his children, who recognized him in a video released by Hamas. The status of Judy is still unclear, but there is little hope that she is alive.

A family in anguish and a global outcry

The family of Judy and Gadi have been living in agony, waiting for any news about their loved ones. They have appealed to the international community, the US government, and the Red Cross to intervene and secure their release. Weinstein’s sister, Andrea, who lives in Connecticut, told CNN: “We’re heartbroken. To think someone is harming my sister and her husband, both of whom are such kind people. It’s immoral.”

Judy’s mother, who is 95, expressed her grave concern for her daughter’s health, saying that not knowing whether she is still alive is unbearable. Weinstein’s children and grandchildren have also posted messages and photos on social media, honoring their parents and grandparents and demanding their return. They said in a statement: “We call upon our leaders to do all that’s required to bring our parents back. The news of Gadi’s demise serves to underscore the urgency of the matter.”

The case of Judy Weinstein and Gadi has also sparked a global outcry, as they are among the seven American citizens who are held by Hamas in Gaza. US President Joe Biden, upon learning of Gadi’s death, released the following statement: “Jill and I are heartbroken. We continue to pray for the well-being and safe return of his wife, Judy.” Many human rights organizations, celebrities, and politicians have also expressed their solidarity and support for the family and called for an end to the Hamas terror.

Judy Weinstein’s Obituary and Death

Judy Weinstein and Gadi were a loving couple, who dedicated their lives to their family, their community, and their values. They were not involved in any political or military conflict but were innocent victims of a brutal and senseless attack. Their story is a reminder of the human cost of war and violence, and the need for dialogue and coexistence. They leave behind a legacy of love and peace, which will inspire many people to seek a better future for themselves and others.

A call for justice and accountability

The October 7 attack by Hamas and its allies was a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits targeting civilians, taking hostages, and committing sexual violence. The attack also violated the ceasefire agreement that ended the 2021 Israel–Hamas war, which stipulated that Hamas would refrain from launching rockets and incursions into Israel. The attack has been widely condemned by the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened an investigation into the attack, as well as the subsequent Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, as possible war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, said that he would pursue justice for the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable, regardless of their affiliation. He also urged the parties to cooperate with the investigation and to respect the rights of the victims and their families.

The US government has also expressed its support for the ICC investigation and its commitment to bring the American hostages and the bodies of Judy Weinstein and Gadi back home. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the US would use all diplomatic and economic means to pressure Hamas to release the hostages and the remains of the deceased. He also said that the US would continue to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, but would not resume funding to the Palestinian Authority until it renounced its ties with Hamas.

A hope for peace and reconciliation

The October 7 attack and its aftermath have deepened the suffering and despair of both Israelis and Palestinians, who have endured decades of conflict and occupation. The attack has also exposed the fragility and failure of the political and security arrangements that have governed the situation for years. The attack has shown the need for a comprehensive and lasting solution that would address the root causes of the conflict and ensure the rights and dignity of both peoples.

Many civil society groups and activists, both in Israel and Palestine, have called for an end to the cycle of violence and revenge, and for a renewed dialogue and cooperation. They have also expressed their solidarity and sympathy with the victims and their families, and their rejection of hatred and extremism. They have organized vigils, rallies, and campaigns to demand justice and peace and to promote coexistence and mutual understanding.

Judy Weinstein and Gadi were among those who believed in peace and reconciliation, and who sought to bridge the gap between Israelis and Palestinians. They participated in several initiatives and projects that aimed to foster dialogue and trust, such as the Parents Circle Families Forum, a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization of families who have lost loved ones in the conflict. They also hosted Palestinian visitors and guests in their kibbutz, and shared their culture and stories. They were an example of courage and compassion, and their legacy lives on in their family and friends.