On the night of Wednesday, February 26, Israel received the bodies of hostages Tsachi Idan, Shlomo Mantzur, Itzhak Elgarat and Ohad Yahalomi — the identity of the bodies was confirmed through forensic examination. They were kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 massacre and killed in captivity.
Tsachi Idan Eini was a Jew of Portuguese Sephardic origin. His grandparents belonged to traditional Sephardic families from Egypt and Turkey, with family records in the Kahal Kadosh Portugal of Izmir.
He was at home with his family in Kibbutz Nahal Oz when he was kidnapped by the terrorist group. His eldest daughter was murdered before his eyes while the terrorists broadcasted the scenes on social media. His wife and two younger daughters, who witnessed the events, survived the massacre.
Devora Idan, Tsachi's mother, fought tirelessly for her son's return, who, unfortunately, will be brought back to Israel deceased: “My son was abducted after his daughter was murdered in his hands. Our family lives in this nightmare and this surreal reality. Time is not on our side. The victory image is only the return of all hostages to their homes, healthy and whole as soon as possible. Without the hostages, there will be no more revival for the State of Israel."
There are at least three more hostages of Portuguese origin who are still being held captive by Hamas. There are:
Segev Halfon is a Jew of Portuguese Sephardic origin. His grandparents belonged to traditional Sephardic families from Morocco and Tunisia, and there are even records of marriages in the Portuguese Jewish community of Tunis.
Ran Guili Nada is tragically dead, according to the IDF. He also had Portuguese origins. His maternal grandparents, surnamed Nada and Ziuni, belonged to traditional Sephardic families in Egypt.
Ariel Cunio is a Jew of Portuguese Sephardic origin. His family on his father's side originates from Turkey.
(Updated news on February 27)
