Emotional Homecoming: Body of Slain Hostage Menachem "Meni" Goddard Returned to Israel for Burial

The body of slain hostage Menachem "Meni" Goddard, a resident of Kibbutz Be'eri who was murdered on October 7 and whose remains were subsequently abducted by Hamas terrorists, has been returned to Israel for burial.

Following the handover from the Red Cross near the Gaza border, Goddard's coffin was transported to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed late Thursday that the identification process was complete: "After the completion of the identification process by the National Center for Forensic Medicine in cooperation with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family of the captive Meni (Menachem) Goddard, may his memory be a blessing, that their loved one has been returned for burial."

A Double Tragedy from Kibbutz Be'eri

Meni Goddard, 73, and his wife, Ayelet, were both murdered during the brutal terrorist assault on Kibbutz Be'eri. On the morning of October 7, Hamas terrorists set fire to their home. When Meni and Ayelet fled their safe room, Hamas terrorists were waiting outside. They murdered Meni and abducted his body to Gaza. Ayelet managed to escape and hid in the bushes for several hours before she, too, was tragically murdered.

The couple leaves behind four children, Mor, Gal, Bar, and Guni, and six grandchildren. Meni’s children described him as a "most devoted and loving father and grandfather, a family man who cared for all those around him, a man of the sea and of love, and a passionate fan of Hapoel Tel Aviv."

Meni had lived in Be'eri since age 13, serving the community in many capacities, including as a printer at Be'eri Press, manager of the general store and the pool, and head steward, while also playing for and coaching the local soccer team.

Remaining Captive Bodies

The return of Meni Goddard's body reduces the number of deceased captives still being held in the Gaza Strip. Following his return, three bodies of captive soldiers and civilians remain in Gaza: Dror Or (also from Kibbutz Be'eri), Sergeant First Class (res.) Ran Gvili, and Sutthisak Rinthelek (a foreign worker abducted from the orchards near Be'eri). Dror Or is the last resident of Kibbutz Be'eri to remain in Hamas captivity.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement following the news: "The families of the hostages and the returned embrace the Goddard family at this time, whose loved one Meni, may his memory be a blessing, was returned to Israel today for a proper burial. Alongside the sadness and the understanding that the heart will never be whole, the return of Meni, may his memory be a blessing, is a measure of solace to the family who have lived in agonizing uncertainty and doubt for over two years."

Ofer Gitai, the community manager of Kibbutz Be'eri, offered condolences to the family, expressing hope that they can now find solace in burying Meni alongside his beloved wife, Ayelet, after what was for them, "a Black Saturday that lasted almost 800 days."