October 7 · Personal story
Michel Nissenbaum
Abducted
October 7, 2023
Abduction location
Road from Sderot toward the Gaza Division base near Re’im, where he was heading to collect his granddaughter.
Current outcome
Returned for burial · May 24, 2024
His body was found in Gaza and returned to Israel on May 24, 2024, with two other hostages.
01
A life across two countries
Michel was born and raised in Brazil and immigrated to Israel at thirteen. He lived in Sderot, held Brazilian citizenship and worked as a computer technician. His daughters Chen and Michal had children of their own. A friend recalled that Michel taught at the Salad Farm for seven years and was devoted to every task he took on.
02
Driving to his granddaughter
On October 7, Michel drove from Sderot toward the Gaza Division base at Re’im to collect his four-year-old granddaughter Mika, who was there with her father. His son-in-law warned him not to come after militants entered the base. Michel was shot and killed while driving on Route 232. One of his daughters later called; a captor answered his phone.
03
His body taken to Gaza
Michel was killed on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza. He was initially listed as missing. The reports later established that his body had been taken after his death.
04
Recovery and return
Michel’s body was found in Gaza and brought back to Israel on May 24, 2024, along with two other hostages.
05
Remembered by family and friends
Michel’s sister Mary described him as warm and loving, a devoted father and grandfather, and said the two were very close. His friend Or Alon remembered his commitment at work and said it had been a pleasure to work with him.