Gali Berman (born 10 September 1997) is an Israeli civilian who was abducted together with his twin brother, Ziv, from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023 and taken to the Gaza Strip.[1] After 738 days in captivity, he was released on 13 October 2025 together with his brother and 18 additional hostages as part of the third hostage deal.[2][3] During the same deal, all 20 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza were returned to Israel under terms of a ceasefire agreement, which also involved the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages.[4][5]
Berman was born on 10 September 1997 and grew up in Kibbutz Kfar Aza alongside his twin brother, Ziv. The two lived next to each other in the kibbutz's young adults’ neighborhood.[1][3][6] In 2010, Gali won the Rika Barkovitch National Children's Writing Competition.
Prior to his abduction, Berman worked together with his brother as a lighting and sound technician.[7] Both brothers were known supporters of the football clubs Maccabi Tel Aviv and Liverpool.[8] The twins were described by news outlets as “Maccabi loving,” and after their return they attended their first football match together at Bloomfield Stadium, thanking supporters for their encouragement during captivity.[9][10]
Abduction
On the morning of 7 October 2023, during the attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza, militants approached the home of Berman's neighbor, Emily Damari. Berman left his own house and took shelter with her in the reinforced safe room of her home. Shortly thereafter, Berman and Damari were abducted together with Berman's twin brother, Ziv, and taken to the Gaza Strip.[11]
Approximately ten days after the attack, the family was informed by the Israel Defense Forces that the brothers had most likely been abducted. According to media reports at the time, family members and released hostages indicated that the twins were separated during captivity, held in harsh conditions with limited contact and food shortages. [2][12]
Captivity
Maccabet Meyer, aunt of twins Gali and Ziv Berman marking the 600th day of the war in Gaza and the 58 abductees still in Gaza
Testimonies from hostages who were later released indicated that Gali and Ziv Berman were separated during their captivity. In February 2025, a sign of life was received from both brothers, confirming that they were alive while still in captivity.[8][12] Reports from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum stated that released hostages had provided video and proof of life, showing that while held in Gaza they were isolated and enduring difficult conditions.[6]
Release
Berman was released from captivity on 13 October 2025 together with his twin brother Ziv and 18 additional hostages, as part of the third hostage deal. Following his release, he was transferred to Sheba Medical Center for medical treatment.[13] They were among the final group of 20 living hostages brought back in the ceasefire deal, which included medical assessments and reunions with families at hospitals across Israel.[14]
Post-release activities
After their release, Gali and Ziv Berman met with the president of Israel, Isaac Herzog.[13]
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