Unbreakable Bond: Yarden and Ofers' Unlikely Bond With Filipino Captive
“Jimmy” Leano Pacheco, a Filipino national, formed an extraordinary bond with two Israeli captives, Yarden and Ofer, while held hostage in Gaza during the October 7 attack. Abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he was caring for an elderly man, Jimmy's selfless actions during the assault and his subsequent ordeal in captivity led to an unbreakable friendship with his fellow captives.


Gelienor "Jimmy" Leano Pacheco, a Filipino national, found himself caught in a nightmare on October 7, 2023. On that fateful day, while working as a caregiver in Kibbutz Nir Oz, the 33-year-old father of three was abducted by Hamas militants during a brutal assault. Jimmy, who was caring for 80-year-old Amitai Ben Zvi at the time, could have escaped the attack, but his loyalty to his charge led him to stay by Amitai’s side. Tragically, Amitai was murdered right in front of Jimmy, and the young caregiver was abducted and taken to Gaza, according to the Yeshiva world news report.
Jimmy’s story took a turn for the better in November 2023, as part of a ceasefire and hostage release deal. After being held captive in the grim conditions of Gaza for weeks, Jimmy was released and returned to Israel, where his ordeal finally came to an end.
During the days of captivity, Jimmy developed an incredibly close bond with two Israeli captives, Yarden and Ofer, who were also held by the militants. Channel 12 reported that the three men were confined together in dark, damp tunnels. It was there, under harrowing conditions, that they forged a unique and lasting friendship.
Adina Moshe, another hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz who was released as part of the same deal, recalled that she was held near the trio. Upon discovering that the men were confined in cages, Adina demanded they be brought together with her. The reunion came shortly thereafter, and the bond between the men continued to strengthen.
“Jimmy was right next to Yarden on the mattress,” Adina recounted. “They talked about their children. He wouldn’t leave his side for a moment.” Despite the unbearable heat and cramped conditions, Jimmy found small ways to help. On sweltering nights, he would use a flip-flop to fan Yarden’s face, offering comfort in a small but significant gesture.
To pass the endless hours of captivity, Jimmy began teaching his companions some words in his native language, and the trio even improvised Zumba sessions to lift their spirits. Jimmy shared in a post-release interview with Army Radio, "When I cried, they took care of me and assured me that the Israeli government is helping. We sang together, laughed, and I even taught Yarden my language.”
The incredible bond formed in the darkest of times is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Despite the horrors they endured, Jimmy, Yarden, and Ofer found comfort and hope in each other’s company, making their eventual release all the more poignant.