Body of Israeli-Canadian Judih Weinstein held by Hamas recovered

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OTTAWA – After 607 days, they’re finally coming home.

In a special operation overnight by the IDF and Shin Bet, the bodies of Toronto-born Judih Weinstein, 70, and her Israeli husband Gadi Haggai, 72, were recovered in Gaza.

The couple, residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz, were killed during the terror attacks on Oct. 7, 2023.

Their bodies were taken into Gaza by the terrorists to be used as bargaining chips.

“We are grateful to see them brought home for a proper burial in Israel,” read a statement issued by the kibbutz. “Yet our hearts remain incomplete until all 12 hostages from Nir Oz – and all 56 hostages still held – return home.”

Iddo Moed, Israel’s ambassador to Canada, told the Toronto Sun news of the couple’s return is a bittersweet.

“Very relieved for her family for having closure, but at the same time, great concern for the other 56 hostages that are still being held by Hamas in Gaza, at least 20 of them are still alive,” he said.

In a statement that initally – and incorrectly – stated the couple’s bodies were released by Hamas, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described Judih as a mother and grandmother who dedicated her life to helping others.

“As the family grieves the unimaginable loss of both Ms. Weinstein and her husband, Gadi Haggai, who was murdered in that same horrific attack, the return of their remains is a time to begin to heal and to rest,” Carney said in a statement.

Israeli deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskell, told the Sun the couple’s deaths are a reminder of the savage brutality that still threatens Israel.

“We mourn with their family, their community and all who loved them,” the Toronto-born Haskell said. “56 hostages still remain in Gaza, we will stop at nothing to get them home.”

Few know what Judih and Gadi’s family are going through more than Ruby Chen, whose American-Israeli son Itay – a sergeant in the Israeli Defence Forces – was murdered by terrorists on Oct. 7.

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Itay’s remains are still being held hostage in Gaza.

“It’s a difficult day because they came back, and of course we are happy that they’re able to get the closure that they deserve,” Chen told the Sun, who spent the past 20 months alongside the Weinstein family advocating on behalf of the hostages in Washington.

“But on the other hand, there are still 56 left, and we all know the only way to get the last hostage is in a deal.”

He said the only path to peace in Gaza is the immediate release of everyone being held there.

“I spoke at the U.N. security council two weeks ago, pleading that they don’t do a resolution that speaks of a ceasefire that doesn’t include the return of the hostages,” he said. “There is a need for more international pressure on Hamas.”

bpassifiume@postmedia.com