TEL AVIV, Israel—Judith Weinstein Haggi, 70, and husband Gad Haggai, 73, who were taken hostage near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack have been pronounced dead.
Weinstein called emergency services during the terrorist attack to report that both she and her husband had been shot, according to AP.
A spokesperson for the kibbutz has revealed that the couple was “fatally wounded” by Hamas gunmen in the Oct. 7 attack and their bodies taken to Gaza by Hamas. Both bodies are believed to still be in Gaza.
Weinstein Haggai taught English to children with special needs and her husband was a retired chef and jazz musician. Both were parents to four children and grandparents to seven.
“Jill and I are devastated to learn that American Judy Weinstein is also believed to have been killed by Hamas on October 7. This tragic development cuts deep, coming on the heels of last week’s news that Judy’s beloved husband, Gad Haggai, is believed to have been killed by Hamas. We are holding Judy and Gad’s four children, seven grandchildren, and other loved ones close to our hearts,” President Joe Biden released in a White House statement.
Jill and I are devastated to learn that Judy Weinstein, an American citizen, is believed to have been killed by Hamas on October 7. This cuts deep following the news that Gad Haggai, Judy's husband, is also believed to have been killed by Hamas.
Earlier this month I spoke with…
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2023
A temporary cease-fire last month led to the release of 105 hostages—including two Americans. There are still about 129 hostages believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza.
