Israel identifies returned body as Meny Godard
Israeli medical examiners confirmed that the latest body returned by Hamas was Menahem “Meny” Godard, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced Thursday morning.
Fallen hostage Meny Godard, 73, who was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri during the Hamas attack of Oct. 7, 2023. Photo courtesy Kibbutz Be’eri/TPS-IL
“The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Goddard family and all the families of the deceased abductees,” Netanyahu’s office said.
Godard, 73, was remembered as a devoted kibbutz member who loved sports, the ocean, and community life. He and his wife, Ayelet, were killed by Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists and his body was taken to Gaza. Weeks after the attack, the family held a joint funeral, though only Ayelet was buried.
In March 2025, soldiers recovered some of his remains in Rafah.
Godard is survived by their children Mor, Gal, Bar, and Goni, several grandchildren, and siblings.
Around 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. The bodies of two Israelis and one Thai national are still held in Gaza.
