The bodies of Canadian Judith Weinstein-Haggai and her American husband Gadi Haggai have been recovered from Gaza and returned to Israel after they were abducted on October 7, 2023.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Shin Bet and the Israeli Defence Force conducted a special operation in the Gaza Strip in which they recovered the bodies of the two abductees, murdered by Hamas. The couple also held Israeli citizenship.
“Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. The heart grieves for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed,” reads Netanyahu’s translated statement.
Judith was a 70-year-old Israeli Canadian, mother to four children and grandmother to seven. She worked as an English teacher for children with special needs and worked with children with anxiety.
The IDF says that the couple were taking their daily morning walk around the Kibbutz Nir Or when they were abducted and murdered.
Judith’s daughter Iris Weinstein Haggai periodically documented the days that have passed since her parents were taken captive in Gaza, posting with the hashtag “FreeJudiAndGadi.”
President of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Noah Shack commemorated the life that Weinstein Haggai had carried and urged the federal government to stand by Israel.
“Judih embodied the very best of Canada and Israel. An educator for children with special needs and a passionate peacebuilder, she dedicated her life to coexistence – teaching meditation to both Palestinian and Israeli children. She didn’t just believe in peace; she lived it,” said Shack.
“Hamas’ atrocities are among the worst crimes against humanity the world has ever seen. It is essential that the Government of Canada upholds its commitment: the Israeli hostages must be immediately returned and there can be no future for Hamas in Gaza.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement mourning the death of the Weinsteins and urged Canadians to confront antisemitism.
“Today, after over a year and a half, Ms. Weinstein’s remains have finally been returned to Israel. Ms. Weinstein was a mother, grandmother, teacher, and mentor, who dedicated her life to guiding others with empathy, charity, and humanity,” said Carney.
“Since October 7, Jewish communities have faced a reprehensible resurgence of antisemitism. It has to stop. We cannot look away from the power of antisemitism and its radicalization – we must confront it, denounce it, and act to keep Jewish Canadians safe.”
Deputy Conservative Leader Melissa Lantsman expressed her condolences to the Weinstein-Haggai family and urged for the return of the rest of the hostages Hamas has taken.
“My heart and prayers are with their daughter — someone I call a friend, Iris Weinstein Haggai, and their entire family,’ said Lantsman.
“Judith and Gad were murdered by Hamas terrorists for one reason—because they were Jews. Never forget and never stop until every single hostage still held in grips of terror in Gaza is let go and safely returned home.”