WATCH: Freed Hamas hostage Yair Horn bursts into tears, "I want my brother back"

In his first public statement since release, former Hamas captive Yair Horn delivered an urgent message at the Hostages Square during a rally marking 500 days since October 7.

"I was there, I was in Hamas tunnels, I experienced it in my own body," said Horn, who was freed last Saturday after 498 days in captivity. "The hostages don't have time, we don't have time. We must bring them back now."

In a video message screened at the emergency rally, Horn responded to well-wishers asking about his needs. "Everyone asks me, what do you need? And I answer them: I need only one thing, bring my brother back to me," he said, extending his plea to include all remaining hostages.

Horn, released last Saturday after 498 days in Hamas captivity, brings a unique perspective to the ongoing hostage crisis. As a recent survivor of the tunnels, his testimony carries particular weight in understanding both the urgency of the situation and the human cost of continued captivity.

The Journey Home

On February 15, 2025, Horn emerged from captivity as part of a mediated release deal, marking an end to his 498-day ordeal. The 46-year-old was handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Yunis before being escorted to Israel by IDF forces. While his release brought joy to his family, particularly his parents Itzik Horn and Ruti Strum, the celebration remains bittersweet – his brother Eitan, captured alongside him on October 7, 2023, remains in captivity.

A Community Leader in Captivity

Before his abduction from Kibbutz Nir Oz, Horn was known as the community's "uncle," a testament to his deep involvement in kibbutz life. The Israeli-born, Argentina-raised Horn had returned to Israel in 2014, quickly becoming an integral part of the community. His creative spirit was evident in initiatives like the mobile pub he created during COVID-19 lockdowns, bringing drinks and cheer to isolated neighbors.

Working in construction by day, Horn devoted his free time to organizing community events and managing the local pub. His passion for soccer, particularly Hapoel Be'er Sheva, and love for The Rolling Stones' music made him a beloved figure in the tight-knit community. In a poignant gesture after his release, he was seen flying over Turner Stadium, home of his beloved team, writing a message of hope for his brother: "Eitan, you're next!"

The October 7 Attack

The Hamas attack on Nir Oz proved devastating for the community, with one in four residents either killed or kidnapped. The Horn brothers were among those taken, part of a larger trauma that has forever changed the fabric of their community. Their capture highlighted the indiscriminate nature of the attack, which targeted civilians regardless of age or background.

Focus on the Future

Speaking at the 500-day mark rally, Horn's message was clear and urgent: "The hostages don't have time, we don't have time. We must bring them back now." His firsthand experience in the Hamas tunnels lends crushing weight to his words, particularly as his brother Eitan remains in those same conditions.

The Horn family's advocacy, led by father Itzik, has been instrumental in maintaining public attention on the hostage crisis. Their criticism of political delays and constant push for action reflects the broader frustration of hostage families watching time slip away while their loved ones remain in captivity.

Looking Forward

While Horn has been described as "perfectly fine" by his mother, considering his ordeal, the psychological impact of such prolonged captivity cannot be understated. His weight loss and the harsh conditions he endured in the tunnels paint a concerning picture for those still held.

As the crisis enters its 500th day, Horn's voice joins a growing chorus demanding immediate action. His unique position as both a survivor and the brother of a current hostage embodies the complex emotions surrounding partial family reunions – joy mingled with ongoing anguish, relief shadowed by continued worry.

His simple, powerful request – "Bring back my brother and all the hostages" – serves as a reminder that behind the political negotiations and strategic considerations lie simple human truths: families torn apart, waiting to be whole again.