Hero's Return: Body of Slain Volunteer and Former Hostage Lior Rudaeff Identified and Returned to Israel

The body of Warrant Officer (res.) Lior Rudaeff, a devoted volunteer and member of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak’s rapid response team, was identified and returned to Israel late Friday night, bringing a painful measure of closure to his family months after his death on October 7.

Rudaeff, 61, a native of Argentina who immigrated to Israel at age seven, settled in Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak and was known for his generous spirit. He dedicated four decades of his life to volunteering, serving as an ambulance driver in the Eshkol Regional Council and as the deputy security coordinator for his kibbutz. Those closest to him consistently emphasized that he was always the first to volunteer and offer help to others.

A Sacrifice on October 7

On the morning of the massacre, Lior heard the initial gunfire near his home and immediately ran out to join the rapid response team. Alongside his comrades, he fought heroically at the kibbutz gate, successfully stopping many terrorists from breaching the community. After a fierce engagement, Lior Rudaeff was tragically killed and his body was subsequently kidnapped to Gaza by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organization.

His death was officially determined on May 7, 2024. He leaves behind his wife Yaffa, his four children; Noam, Nadav, Bar, and Ben, and his three grandchildren, Tomer, Dagan, and Shai, as well as his father Giora and his two siblings, Idit and Doron.

Official Confirmation and Government Commitment

The identification process was completed Saturday morning by the National Center of Forensic Medicine in cooperation with the Israel Police and the IDF Rabbinate.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office expressed the government’s deep sorrow, assuring the Rudaeff family and all families of the deceased hostages that the government and security apparatus are "determined, committed, and working tirelessly to return all of our deceased hostages for proper burial in their country."

The statement also issued a firm demand to the terrorist group: "The Hamas terrorist organization is required to uphold its commitments to the mediators and return them as part of the implementation of the agreement. We will not compromise on this and will spare no effort until we return all of the deceased hostages, every last one of them. May his memory be for a blessing."

The IDF reiterated its commitment to the agreement, noting that Rudaeff, who was a Command Sergeant Major (Res.), "fell in battle defending the Kibbutz on October 7th." His fellow kibbutz member and comrade, Tal Haimi, whose body was also taken captive, was previously returned for burial.

The return of Lior Rudaeff’s remains allows his family and community to begin the difficult process of mourning and providing him with a dignified burial after months of agonizing uncertainty.