Story perspectives

Former Hostages Matan and Ilana Celebrate Engagement

12/29/2025

Summary

Story summary

Matan Zangauker and Ilana Gritzewsky, former hostages, are engaged, per Matan's mother Einav Zangauker.
They were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz after meeting through work, and lived together for 18 months.
Einav Zangauker, a campaign leader, shared a celebratory photo.
Matan Zangauker was released Oct. 13, 2025, after 738 days in captivity; Ilana Gritzewsky was freed in Nov. 2023.
Following his release, Matan Zangauker started a crowdfunding campaign for rehabilitation.

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Story summary

Matan Zangauker and Ilana Gritzewsky, former hostages, are engaged, per Matan's mother Einav Zangauker.
They were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz after meeting through work, and lived together for 18 months.
Einav Zangauker, a campaign leader, shared a celebratory photo.
Matan Zangauker was released Oct. 13, 2025, after 738 days in captivity; Ilana Gritzewsky was freed in Nov. 2023.
Following his release, Matan Zangauker started a crowdfunding campaign for rehabilitation.