Maxim Herkin, then-35, had only returned from visiting his now-five-year-old daughter Monica and partner Anna in Russia a week before he was abducted from the Nova Music Festival.
The Ukrainian-Israeli had not been much of a party animal, his mother told Israeli media, but was convinced to attend the festival by two of his friends. His friends’ bodies were discovered burned inside their vehicle and authorities learned that Herkin was one of over 250 people abducted to Gaza during the October 7 massacre.
Herkin immigrated to Israel with his mother, Tala, and 11-year-old brother Peter from Ukraine. The family had called Tirat Carmel home and Herkin was working on achieving a computer science degree from the Open University so he could better support his family.
"Maxim is our back, our anchor. His brother and I live in his house and he helps us make a living,” his mother told Israel Hayom. “He is my whole world. He had many dreams, he studied and worked while taking care of me and his brother."
Maxim Herkin's time in captivity
Herkin was last seen in a hostage video in April, published in May, and Russian authorities have worked to secure his release.
Senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzouk confirmed in February that “Russian friends did indeed request his release” and that the terror group would treat Moscow’s request “with respect.”