Kidnapped at Nova Festival, Romi Gonen turns 24 in captivity 

Israeli President Isaac Herzog commented today on the birthday of Romi Gonen, who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7 and remains in captivity in Gaza over 10 months later.

President Herzog shared on X: "Romi Gonen, taken hostage from the Nova party in Re'im on October 7th, marks her 24th birthday today in Hamas captivity in Gaza. Her family and friends describe her as a true ray of light – and this day, which should be filled with the joy and goodness that so characterize her, is instead filled with deep pain and endless longing."

Herzog continued, "Since the fourth day of the war, I have met many times with Meirav Leshem Gonen, Romi's lion-hearted mother, who—together with her family and friends—is fighting with extraordinary strength to see Romi home. Today, and always, we stand by their side—and with all the families of the hostages."

"We do not for a moment forget Romi and all our hostages, our daughters and sons, who have been held cruelly in Gaza for over ten months in a crime against humanity. We will continue to work tirelessly and by all possible means to bring them back to their families," Herzog concluded.