Bodies Of Slain Orange County Native, Husband Recovered In Gaza Strip Operation

GOSHEN, NY — The bodies of slain couple Judi Weinstein-Haggai and Gadi Haggai have been recovered, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Judi, a native of Goshen, had been an English teacher. She and her husband Gadi, who both had dual U.S. and Israeli citizenship, were killed on Oct. 7, 2023.

Netanyahu posted on X early Thursday that the two hostages’ bodies have been returned to Israel following a special Israeli forces operation in the Gaza Strip.

“Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the dear families,” the post said. “Our hearts grieve over this terrible loss. May their memories be blessed.”

Netanyahu thanked those involved in the recovery operation.

“We will not rest, nor will we be silent, until we return home all of our hostages – the living and the deceased,” he said.

The couple, of Kibbutz Nir Oz, had been on a morning walk when the attack began.

In a statement on X, the families and friends of those held hostage by Hamas expressed support for the Weinstein-Haggai family.

"The return of Judi and Gadi is painful and heartbreaking, yet it also brings healing to our uncertainty,” the hostage families said. “Their return reminds us all that it is the state's duty to bring everyone home, so that we, the families, together with all the people of Israel, can begin the process of healing and recovery.”

The families called on decision makers to reach an agreement quickly for the return of all 56 remaining hostages, “the living for rehabilitation and the murdered for burial.”

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NY Native Confirmed Killed By Hamas, Body Held In Gaza: Reports