October 7 · Personal story
Ohad Munder-Zachri
Abducted
October 7, 2023
Abduction location
His grandparents’ home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, where Ohad was visiting with his mother.
Current outcome
Released alive · November 24, 2023
Released with mother Keren and grandmother Ruti after 49 days; his grandfather Avraham remained in Gaza and died in captivity.
01
A curious fourth-grader
Ohad lived in Kfar Saba with his parents and attended the Democratic School. He was a fourth-grader who enjoyed Rubik’s cubes, football, tennis and chess. A Liverpool FC fan, he kept team souvenirs and trophies in his bedroom alongside family photographs and elaborate Lego constructions. His father Avi described him as bright, charming and remarkably articulate, a child who taught him new things. His mother Keren was a special education teacher and coached volleyball for children with disabilities. Ohad loved visiting his grandparents and uncle in Nir Oz.
02
The holiday visit to Nir Oz
On October 7, Ohad was visiting his grandparents in Nir Oz with his mother during the holiday weekend. AP reported that the family was in the grandparents’ kibbutz and that a cellphone signal was the only early indication they had been taken toward Gaza. The same report records that Ohad’s uncle was killed in the attack. Ohad’s father Avi was in Kfar Saba, waiting for them to return and trying to reach Keren by phone. The attack separated the child from his father and extended family while placing him in captivity with his mother and grandparents.
03
A ninth birthday away from home
Ohad turned nine on October 23, 2023, while held in Gaza. His city marked the day with yellow balloons, and Kfar Saba’s mayor said the city was waiting for him to return to his fourth-grade classroom and activities. AP reported that Ohad’s friends and football figures sent birthday greetings; his father, meanwhile, described the birthday as another day spent waking and worrying.
04
Released with Keren and Ruti
Ohad was released on November 24, 2023, with his mother Keren and grandmother Ruti after 49 days. The Times of Israel identified the three Munder family members among those released during the first hostage exchange. His father had been waiting for him at home in Kfar Saba. His grandfather Avraham remained in Gaza after their release. The separation from Avraham continued to shape the family’s life after Ohad returned to Kfar Saba.
05
What Ohad said about his grandfather
In December 2023, he received a recognition shield at Kfar Saba’s Hanukkah futsal tournament and returned to taking part in local sports. On August 20, 2024, the family was told that Avraham had died in captivity and his body had been recovered from Gaza. Ohad recalled that his grandfather visited the family weekly, played chess with him and took him on outings in a mobility scooter. He said he had expected Avraham to survive because he was strong, and that he missed their games and rides. Kfar Saba named Ohad, Keren and Ruti among family members who had returned in the 2023 exchange.