October 7 · Personal story
Mia Leimberg
Abducted
October 7, 2023
Abduction location
Family visit in Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak
Current outcome
Released alive · November 28, 2023
Released alive with mother Gabriela, aunt Clara Marman and dog Bella.
01
Life before October 7
Mia Leimberg lived in Jerusalem and studied voice in the twelfth grade at the Jerusalem High School for the Arts. Seventeen years old, she spent the October 7 weekend visiting family in Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak with her mother Gabriela and their Shih Tzu, Bella. They were staying with Gabriela’s sister Clara Marman. Gabriela’s brother Fernando Marman and Clara’s partner Louis Har were there too. Music, school and Bella were parts of Mia’s life before the visit became an abduction.
02
October 7
On October 7, the five family members tried to keep their safe-room door closed with a chair, but Hamas attackers broke in and took them to Gaza. Mia hid Bella under her pajamas when they were put into a vehicle. Her father Moshe later said Mia feared for the dog if she left her behind. Mia, Gabriela, Clara, Fernando and Louis were all abducted during the same family visit. Bella remained with Mia through the journey.
03
In captivity
Bella stayed with Mia through the journey and captivity. Mia said the dog was quiet, which helped keep her hidden at first. When captors discovered Bella, they argued over whether Mia could keep her, then allowed it. Mia fed Bella leftovers and kept her from wandering. The captives cleaned up after the dog. Carrying Bella was difficult, but Mia said she kept her busy and offered moral support.
04
Return
Mia, Gabriela, Clara and Bella were released alive November 28, 2023, during the ceasefire exchange. Mia emerged holding Bella. At home in Jerusalem, she recalled carrying the dog out of Gaza and feeling fortunate to bring her back. Her father Moshe had searched for Bella during the weeks of captivity and was surprised to learn she returned with Mia.
05
After return
Mia’s school welcomed her back with singing. She later joined Aviv Geffen in his studio to record a duet reflecting on October 7 and the wait for the remaining hostages. In a December 6, 2023 interview, Mia had spoken about missing Fernando and Louis, who had not been released with her. The two were rescued from Gaza on February 12, 2024. Her own return, Bella’s presence and the eventual rescue of her relatives became distinct milestones after captivity.