Oldest hostage in Gaza - Hamas to release Shlomo Mansour's body later to

Shlomo Mansour, an 86-year-old Holocaust survivor and one of the most heart-wrenching figures of the ongoing conflict, was taken captive by Hamas on October 7, 2023, during a brutal attack on Kibbutz Kissufim, a small community located near Israel's border with Gaza. His capture and subsequent death have drawn significant attention both within Israel and around the world, underscoring the pain and loss experienced by the families of hostages. His remains are due to be released by Hamas later tonight along with 3 other deceased hostages.

Born in Baghdad in 1938, Shlomo’s early life was marked by tragedy. As a young child, he survived the Farhud, a horrific anti-Jewish pogrom in 1941, which claimed the lives of hundreds of Jews in Iraq. His survival was a testament to his resilience. In 1951, at the age of 13, Shlomo and his family emigrated to Israel, seeking a new life in the fledgling Jewish state. He became a founding member of Kibbutz Kissufim, where he and his wife, Mazal, spent the majority of their adult lives.

Shlomo was deeply involved in the kibbutz community, known for his humility, kindness, and extraordinary carpentry skills. He was also the manager of the kibbutz’s chicken coop for many years, and his handiwork in creating toys for his grandchildren was cherished by his family. Shlomo’s reputation as a warm-hearted, selfless individual made him a beloved figure in Kibbutz Kissufim, where he was seen as a father, a grandfather, and the community's moral compass.

When Hamas terrorists invaded Kibbutz Kissufim on October 7, they violently disrupted this peaceful community. Shlomo, who was 85 years old at the time, was taken from his home, handcuffed, and dragged away in his own car. His wife, Mazal, who had been married to him for 60 years, miraculously escaped the attack, but Shlomo was abducted along with several other residents. Despite the overwhelming grief and anguish, the Mansour family clung to hope, even as they feared for Shlomo’s fate.

The devastating news of Shlomo’s death was confirmed by Israeli authorities in early February 2025, based on intelligence gathered over the course of several months. His body was held by Hamas in Gaza, and it was part of a broader agreement for the exchange of hostages. Shlomo’s death was a tragic blow not only to his family but to the entire community of Kibbutz Kissufim, which had lived in uncertainty for over a year.

In the aftermath of his death, Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, expressed their deep sorrow, praising Shlomo’s character and his lifelong contributions to his community. Netanyahu also pledged that Israel would not rest until all hostages, both the living and the deceased, were returned for proper burial in Israel. Kibbutz Kissufim echoed this sentiment, mourning the loss of their beloved member and vowing to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the safe return of all captives.

Shlomo left behind a large family: his wife, five children, 12 grandchildren, and five siblings. His life story — from surviving the horrors of the Farhud to building a life in Israel and becoming the heart of his kibbutz — is a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people. His death is a painful reminder of the cost of the ongoing conflict, and his memory will undoubtedly live on as a symbol of courage and love for generations to come.