Just Two Days After His Release, Former Hostage Matan Angrest Says He's "Ready to Enter Gaza to Bring Back the Fallen"

The funeral of Captain Daniel Perez, who fell in battle on October 7, 2023, and whose body was returned this week after more than two years in Hamas captivity, was marked by a moment of incredible poignancy: the presence of his former crewmate and released hostage, Matan Angrest.

Angrest, who was released from Gaza just two days prior, arrived at Mount Herzl cemetery to pay his final respects to his commander, embodying the unbreakable bond between the soldiers who fought the heroic battle at Nahal Oz. Angrest had been recuperating in the hospital and was seen earlier saluting the Chief of Staff, but felt a powerful need to be at the funeral.

"It was important for me to salute and pay last respects to my commander, Daniel z′l, who led our heroic battle on that Saturday," Angrest stated, adding a fervent call for the return of their last missing crew member. "The circle will only close when Itay Chen is returned for proper burial in the land of Israel, along with all the fallen."

The Heroic Battle and Dream Fulfilled

Captain Perez, a Section Commander in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Brigade, fell during the fierce defense of the Nahal Oz military post. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Perez immigrated to Israel with his family at age 13. He was a passionate sportsman who overcame a serious water-skiing injury to achieve his dream of joining the Armored Corps, graduating with distinction from both the Tank Commanders Course and the Officers' Course.

On October 7th, Perez and his tank crew, known as "Perez's Team," were the first line of defense against the waves of terrorists. The Tank Brigade Commander, Colonel Sh., eulogized him, saying, "Thanks to Daniel's professional command, on October 7th, the tank and the crew were ready and went out to fight. Daniel and his crew members, Itay, Tomer, and Matan, sought contact and did everything to protect the communities. They fought for hours and eliminated many terrorists."

His crew included Angrest (released hostage), Sergeant First Class Itay Chen (whose body remains in captivity), and Staff Sergeant Tomer Leibovitz (who fell in the battle). The heroic actions of the crew, led by Perez, are credited with saving many lives.

Two Years of Agony

President Isaac Herzog, who attended the ceremony alongside senior military and political figures, delivered a moving tribute to the fallen officer. "We came here today, all of us, with broken hearts, to accompany you, Daniel, to eternal rest after two years of immense pain and longing," Herzog said, acknowledging the desperate wait of the Perez family. "We waited so long to give you a proper, complete, true rest."

Herzog also referenced the profound duality felt by the nation this week: the return of the living hostages and the discovery of the murdered. "Daniel did not return alone," the President noted, listing the six other deceased hostages whose bodies have been returned: Yossi, Bipin, Guy, Tamir, Uriel, and Eitan. He concluded with a national vow, echoing Angrest's plea: "We must not stop, we must not tire, we must not give up...The mission is not yet complete."