Freed Israeli Hostage Maxim Herkin: ‘With Our People, How Could You Not Be Strong?’

Herkin was abducted from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, and returned to Israel late last week. Born in the former Soviet Union and raised in Ukraine, Herkin made aliyah through The Jewish Agency before serving in the IDF.

He told Almog and Wilf about his two years in captivity, his faith in the Israeli people, his concern for his family’s well-being, and the emotional reunion he experienced with his daughter, Monica, after his return.

“With our people, how could you not be strong?” Herkin said. “Each day, I realize more deeply the magnitude of the support. At first, I thought I understood how great it was — but now I see I can’t even grasp it. It just keeps growing.”

Almog and Wilf commended Herkin for his resilience and courage, and pledged that the global Jewish community will continue advocating for the return of all hostages and fallen soldiers.

The visit took place during The Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors meetings in Jerusalem, where hundreds of Jewish community leaders gathered to develop aid programs to strengthen Israel and increase global awareness of the remaining hostages.

Almog and Wilf later visited wounded lone soldiers from Canada and Sweden who were injured in the Swords of Iron War and are receiving treatment at Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital. The soldiers and their families are being supported throughout their recovery by The Jewish Agency’s Wings program, which provides multifaceted assistance for lone soldiers.

In the afternoon, Almog and Wilf marked Aliyah Week with a visit to the ulpan at Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael, where they met young olim who chose to move to Israel during wartime to help rebuild the country and strengthen its society.

Since the October 7 attacks, more than 54,000 olim have arrived in Israel with the support of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and The Jewish Agency. Many are young adults seeking to build their futures in Israel despite moving during a war.

The Board of Governors meeting is focusing on initiatives to reinforce Israel’s resilience, including plans to increase immigration and develop special absorption programs for newcomers moving to northern and southern Israel.