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The return of Godard’s body offered a measure of relief after more than two years of agonizing uncertainty,
By United with Israel Staff
Israel on Thursday night received the body of a hostage returned from Gaza, and authorities have now confirmed the remains belong to Meni Godard, 73, who was abducted and murdered by Hamas during the October 7 massacre in Kibbutz Be’eri. His wife, Ayelet, was also killed in the attack, leaving behind a grieving family of four children and six grandchildren.
The transfer was carried out via the Red Cross, with Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad coordinating the handover to IDF and Shin Bet personnel at the border. Upon arrival, the coffin was received in a military ceremony attended by the IDF Chief Rabbi before being taken to the National Center of Forensic Medicine for formal identification.
After forensic teams, together with Israel Police and the IDF Rabbinate, completed the examination, representatives of the IDF notified the family that their loved one had been brought home and positively identified.
In its announcement, the Prime Minister’s Office expressed condolences and emphasized the government’s commitment to returning all of Israel’s fallen hostages.
“The Government of Israel shares in the heavy sorrow of the Godard family and of all the families of our fallen hostages,” the statement said. “The government and the entire security apparatus of the State of Israel are determined, committed, and working tirelessly to bring back the remaining three fallen hostages for a proper burial in their homeland. Hamas must fulfill its obligations to the mediators and return them as part of the agreement. We will not compromise on this and will spare no effort until every last hostage is brought home.”
The Hostages’ Families Forum said the return of Godard’s body offered a measure of relief after more than two years of agonizing uncertainty, even as the loss remains immeasurable. “We embrace the Godard family at this hour,” the forum said. “The return of Meni brings some solace to a family that has lived with torment and doubt for so long. We will not rest until the last hostage is brought home.”
Godard had lived in Be’eri since the age of 13 and was deeply woven into the fabric of the kibbutz. Over the years he worked in several key roles, including at the Be’eri printing house, managing the grocery store and swimming pool, and serving as the kibbutz’s chief steward. He was also a beloved figure in local sports, both playing for and coaching the community soccer team.
Despite the return of Godard’s body, Hamas continues to hold the remains of two other Israeli hostages and one hostage from Thailand, in ongoing violation of the ceasefire agreement. Israel has reiterated that the effort to bring them home will continue relentlessly until they, too, are returned for burial.
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