DAY 484 OF CAPTIVITY • DAY 14 OF THE CEASEFIRE - Ofer Calderon, Yarden Bibas, and Keith Siegel are HOME, Eyal Zamir Tapped to be 24th IDF Chief of Staff

Tel Aviv Diary, February 1, 2025

Word arrived early Friday about the hostages set to be released: Ofer Calderon, Yarden Bibas, and Keith Siegel. By Friday evening, it was confirmed that the releases would take place in two locations early the following morning.

On Saturday morning, the process began much earlier than usual. By 8:00 AM, the main Israeli news networks were broadcasting live with their prime-time anchors. By 8:15, the Red Cross had arrived at the designated location in Khan Younis for the initial release. In contrast to Thursday's chaos, today Hamas had organized a clear area devoid of the large crowds seen previously. By 8:35 AM, Ofer Calderon was seen exiting a Hamas vehicle and proceeded to the stage, where he waved to the modest assembly of people before making his way to a Red Cross vehicle.

As soon as Ofer Calderon was seated in the car, Yarden Bibas emerged from another Hamas vehicle and made his way to the same stage. He also briefly waved before heading to a Red Cross vehicle. It remains unclear what Bibas knew about the fate of his wife and children, who are presumed dead.

Shortly thereafter, both men were en route out of Gaza, quickly making their way to the Re’em Army base, where they reunited with their immediate families.

There was nearly an hour-long wait before the next phase, which took place at Gaza Port. Shortly after the Red Cross arrived, Keith Siegel was escorted out.

Although able to walk, he appeared weaker than the other hostages, with a Hamas terrorist supporting him to prevent him from falling. After a brief moment on the stage and a quick wave, Siegel made his way to the Red Cross vehicle.

The vehicle then proceeded towards the Israeli troops who were waiting to receive him.

At the Re’em base, Siegel was reunited with his wife and eldest son.

The Army released photos of the handover, and it was impossible not to notice the stark contrast between an overjoyed Ofer Calderon, eagerly anticipating his reunion with his wife and children, and Yarden Bibas, who faced the heartbreak of returning without his children.

Later, we saw scenes of Calderon arriving at the hospital, where he was warmly embraced by his four children—the two younger of whom had also been abducted but were released over a year ago.

The joy was beyond compare. If one sought to witness the epitome of pure happiness, this video captured it perfectly.

Later, footage captured Yarden Bibas being embraced by his mother and other family members. While he was clearly relieved to be safe in an Israeli hospital rather than in Hamas captivity, the reunion was deeply bittersweet.

The final chapter in today’s releases unfolded overhead as I heard the sound of an approaching helicopter filled the air. Stepping out onto our balcony, I watched as an IDF helicopter transported Keith Siegel to the nearby Ichilov Hospital. Later, we saw footage of Siegel’s reunion with his children. Among this group of hostages, at age 65, Siegel appeared the frailest. But he is back, currently receiving care at one of the country’s best hospitals, surrounded by his family, who can now remain by his side.

WEEKLY HOSTAGE SQUARE RALLY

Tonight, like every Saturday night for the past 14 months, the weekly rally was held at Hostage Square. During the event, Doron Steinbrecher, released from Hamas captivity just 13 days ago, addressed the crowd via video, saying:

The last time I sat with a camera pointed at me was in captivity. This whole thing takes me back to all the hostage videos I filmed and saw. But now I'm sitting comfortably on a couch with my family watching me in a warm and pleasant place. And as difficult as this is, it was important for me to film this video to convey my message and my request, and to show that I'm okay. It will take time and it's a process—it won't end in a week or two, but I'm here thanks to you, and I'm okay.

Thank you, thank you to everyone who supported and embraced my family and are embracing me now, people who don't even know me. And I want to say thank you to all the soldiers and security forces. I'm watching and catching up on everything that happened in this surreal year, and I can see what an important and huge role they played both on October 7th and after, and I want to truly say—thank you.

And to the families whose loved ones are still in captivity—you are not alone. We continue to fight for you, and we will do everything—I will do everything until everyone returns home and until you can close this circle, and we're together, until the end. The first moment I leave here, I'll be there with a sign in hand.

I understand that everyone knows me from that terrible recording: “They caught me, they caught me, they caught me” or as “the blonde girl wearing pink, 31 years old from Kfar Aza.” But I'm no longer blonde, and I won't wear pink anymore. I'm Doron, 31 years old. I'm no longer Hamas's captive, and I'm home.

Israel’s Heart: Strength and Vulnerability

Once again, Israel experienced another intensely emotional day. It's ironic— growing up, the archetype of an Israeli was “the sabra” (cactus)— i.e., “tough on the outside, but soft on the inside.” These days, I’m not so sure about the outward toughness everyone display. Tears are frequently seen on the faces of even the most seasoned journalists.

The wounds of October 7th remain open and raw for those who lost their loved ones on that horrific day or in the subsequent war. The kibbutzim have not been rebuilt, but the return of hostages, despite the emotional complexities, will gradually begin to heal these wounds.

Yet, the future remains uncertain… Will Trump insist Netanyahu proceed to the second phase of the ceasefire, likely ending the war but risking his government's stability? Reports indicate that Netanyahu convened a meeting yesterday to explore options for resuming combat in Gaza. On one hand, the current situation in Gaza hardly mirrors the “total victory” Netanyahu promised. On the other hand, it is difficult to envision a return to combat in Gaza when it is widely understood that the fighting would be to preserve Netanyahu's government, rather than to safeguard the nation, or safely return the remaining hostages.

Where do we stand at the moment?

According to Doron Kadosh, military correspondent for Gali Tzahal, this is the current situation:

18 hostages have been returned so far in the current hostage deal.

79 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza:

• 20 hostages are expected to be released in the current phase of the agreement.

• 24 hostages will remain in captivity after Phase I, and have not been declared dead.

• 35 hostages are officially classified as no longer alive.

Among the 20 hostages expected to be released later in Phase A:

• 7 are adults over the age of 50

• 10 are sick or injured

• 3 are members of the Bibas family

Breakdown by location of abduction:

9 individuals are from Kibbutz Nir Oz

4 individuals were abducted from the Nova music festival

3 were kidnapped from Be’eri

1 individuals are from Kissufim

1 individuals are from Nahal Oz

2 individuals have been prisoners since before the war – Abera Mengistu and Hisham Al-Sayed

Among the 24 hostages who have not been declared dead, but will not be released in Phase-A of the agreement:

• 4 are soldiers

• 7 are residents of the Gaza border communities

(4 from Nir Oz, 2 from Kfar Aza, and 1 from Nahal Oz)

• 11 were abducted from the Nova music festival

• 2 are foreign workers, one from Thailand and one Nepal

ZAMIR APPOINTMENT NEXT IDF CHIEF OF STAFF

Tonight, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir has been appointed as the next IDF Chief of Staff. Zamir, who was a contender for the position alongside Herzi Halevi, has served as the Director General of the Defense Ministry since their competition. His experience extends beyond the traditional confines of the IDF. Widely regarded as the natural choice, Zamir's selection has been well received.

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JOURNEY ACROSS ISRAEL

Kibbutz Ga’ash

The next destination on our journey north is the relatively unknown Kibbutz Ga’ash. Founded in 1951, Ga'ash was established by members of a Hashomer Hatzair garin, mainly from Argentina. This group had initially defended Kibbutz Negba during the War of Independence and had hoped to settle there. However, they were persuaded by the kibbutz movement to establish their community along the coastal region, underscoring the strategic importance of the sea as a border.

Like many kibbutzim, the community initially concentrated on agriculture before diversifying its interests. It eventually founded Ga’ash Lighting in 1964, which has since become a leading company specializing in comprehensive lighting solutions for the technical and professional market. The company's factory is involved in the planning, development, manufacturing, and importation of various lighting fixtures and technologies for indoor and outdoor use in commercial, public, and institutional projects.

Tashar Ga'ash is the only company in Israel, and one of the few globally, that offers comprehensive optical and electronic solutions for the visually impaired. Established in 1977 at Kibbutz Ga'ash, it has gained a strong reputation for its professionalism and range of assistive technologies. These include specialized equipment and software that allow the blind to read, write, and use the internet. The company also provides a variety of magnification devices through its optics department, utilizing expert optometrists to tailor solutions for each individual, whether they need special glasses, magnifiers, telescopes, or electronic magnification devices for different age groups.

Ga'ash Ready Grass Nursery, established in 1987 at Kibbutz Ga'ash, is a leading provider in Israel of ready-to-lay grass, offering a variety of types suited to the country's diverse climates and soils. The nursery boasts extensive expertise and owns vast cultivation areas. It ensures high-quality grass with a full integration guarantee at the client's site, supported by experienced agronomist services if necessary. The nursery serves a wide range of clients, including municipalities, universities, landscape architects, gardening contractors, and private individuals, supplying grass all year round across Israel.

The kibbutz experienced another breakthrough when natural thermo-mineral water sources were discovered beneath it. In the late 1990s, it leveraged this resource by opening thermal-mineral pools and a spa facility.

Today, Hamei Ga’ash offers visitors four natural pools enriched with minerals and salts, all designed to European standards, providing a luxurious spa experience just minutes from Tel Aviv. I had not heard of the spa until a friend visited shortly before the war, and frankly, I had forgotten about it. Now that I’ve been reminded, we will add it to our shortlist of day trips, especially given its convenient proximity to Tel Aviv.

Kibbutz Ga’ash is currently home to 921 residents.