Two years after her son was abducted by Hamas, Herut Nimrodi still does not know whether he is alive or dead—but she believes a breakthrough may finally be near.
Her son, Tamir Nimrodi, was taken captive on 7 October 2023 during the Hamas attacks in southern Israel. Now 20, he was an 18-year-old non-combat soldier at the time of his abduction. His family is the only one that has received no confirmation—alive or deceased.
Hope Revived by Trump’s Peace Plan
Nimrodi says she has “real hope” that Donald Trump’s Gaza peace proposal could finally bring all hostages—living and dead—back from Gaza. Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas are expected to resume as the plan gains momentum.
“They’ve tried before but nothing moved. This time it feels different,” she said. “There is real hope this is the one.”
Crucially, the plan’s first phase calls for the return of all hostages and the remains of the dead.
“It’s urgent. Families need closure. Even those told their loved ones are dead still need proof,” she said.
A Hostage With No News
Tamir is one of 47 hostages still held in Gaza; only 20 are thought to be alive. His fate, like that of one Nepalese captive, remains completely unknown.
The last time his mother saw him was in a video posted to social media the day he was taken. He was barefoot, in pyjamas, without glasses, visibly terrified, being forced into a vehicle and driven into Gaza.
Since then, no signs, no proof, no communication.
“It Feels Like One Long Exhausting Day”
Herut recalls the morning of 7 October vividly. Tamir had texted her about nonstop rocket fire. Because of his non-combat role, he often returned home in such situations.
Their last messages were at around 06:49 that morning. Twenty minutes later, he was taken.
Life since has been suspended. “People ask, how do you hold on after two years? But it doesn’t feel like two years—it feels like one long exhausting day.”
At times she joins rallies, marching with other hostage families. Other days she can barely get out of bed.
A Nation Still in Shock
The 7 October attacks killed around 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 hostages seized, many from the south and from a music festival.
Israel’s military response has since killed over 67,000 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Most of the territory is in ruins, nearly all residents displaced.
Rallying for Action
This weekend, Herut stood among tens of thousands in Tel Aviv—families of the missing, survivors, and supporters—demanding the peace deal move forward.
Wearing a T-shirt with Tamir’s smiling face, she said:
“I believe in this deal. I believe Trump won’t let it slip away.”
She appealed directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “do the right thing—bring the hostages home and bring peace.”
Even with renewed hope, she still lives with the last image of her son etched in her mind.
“The terrified look in his eyes that day plays in my head every night. To hope for two years—it’s absolutely exhausting.”
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