October 7 · Personal story
Hanna Katzir
Abducted
October 7, 2023
Abduction location
Her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz
Current outcome
Released alive · November 24, 2023
Hanna was released alive on November 24, 2023, after 49 days in captivity. She died on December 24, 2024, after a long decline in health following her return.
01
A life built in Nir Oz
Hanna Katzir was born in Kibbutz Ein Carmel in 1946. At 20, she came to Nir Oz to be with Rami; they built a home and raised three children, Avital, Elad and Carmit. Hanna worked in the kibbutz kitchen and children’s houses, where she cared for young children and became known for her sweet tea. Later she sorted laundry in the communal clothing room with close friends. She loved walking the kibbutz paths and talking with friends in the dining hall. Her children and grandchildren were at the center of her life, and she welcomed the grandchildren whenever she could.
02
Abducted from her home
On the morning of October 7, Hanna and Rami stayed in their protected room as rockets and gunfire sounded around Nir Oz. They kept in touch with their children and followed the kibbutz’s instructions. Around 9 a.m., contact with the couple stopped. Hanna was taken from the home to Gaza; Rami was killed at home. Their son Elad was also abducted, but Hanna did not know this until after she was released.
03
Forty-nine days in Gaza
Hanna spent 49 days in captivity. She returned to Israel on November 24, 2023, in serious medical condition and continued treatment for many months. After release, she learned that Rami had been killed on October 7 and that Elad had also been taken. The family later learned Elad had been killed in captivity. Hanna and her children faced these separate losses after she came home.
04
Returned alive
Hanna was released alive on November 24, 2023, after 49 days. Her release ended her captivity, but she came home in poor health and continued to fight for recovery. Her daughter Carmit said that after the release Hanna was hospitalized with heart problems and that her condition followed the harsh conditions in captivity. In April 2024, the military recovered Elad’s body from Gaza and returned it to Israel.
05
Her family’s continuing loss
Hanna’s health declined after her return, and she died on December 24, 2024, aged 78. The Nir Oz community described her as having fought for her life for many months after captivity. Rami had been killed during the October 7 attack; Elad was killed in captivity and his body was returned in April 2024. Hanna, Rami and Elad are buried in Nir Oz. Her community remembers her care for children, sweet tea and daily conversations with family and friends.