IDF: the causes of death of three hostages could not be determined

To Elia we were born, to Elia we were born, Nick Beiser

IDF representatives visited the corporal’s families Nick Beizer and Sergeant Ron Sherman, whose bodies were removed from the Gaza Strip, and briefed them on the progress of the investigation into the circumstances of the death of fighters captured by terrorists. The army press service reported this on Wednesday, January 17.

19-year-old Nick Beiser from Beersheba and his peer Ron Sherman from Kibbutz Lehavim in the Negev were kidnapped by terrorists on October 7. Nick was a driver at the headquarters of the Gaza Division for Coordination and Communications (MATAK-Aza), Ron served at the same headquarters as a signalman. The fighters, who were trying to hide from the attack in a bomb shelter on the territory of a military base, were captured by Hamas terrorists, who filmed the abduction and distributed the footage on social networks.

Remains of Beiser and Sherman were discovered on December 14, 2023 in the Jebaliya refugee camp in the northern part of the enclave. The bodies of three more prisoners were found in the same area – Elia Toledano, Eden Zachariah and Warrant Officer Ziva Dado. The remains were taken to Israel.

Note that the IDF did not have information about the hostages in the area where their bodies were found. The remains were found during an inspection of the terrorists’ diversion tunnel.

Pathologists determined that the cause of death for Nick Beiser, Ron Sherman and Elia Toledano was not a gunshot wound or injury from an explosion. It is possible that the captives were strangled or poisoned, but there is no direct confirmation of these versions yet.

A toxicological examination is being carried out, the results of which will be notified to the families of the victims later. At this time, it is not possible to provide an opinion on the causes of death of Beiser, Sherman and Toledano.

How Vesti reported, the Makif Alef school in Beer Sheva organized a corner in memory of its graduate, Nick Beiser. There you can get information about the deceased soldier, find out the details of his abduction, and get acquainted with the ideals of the young man who gave his life for his homeland. A prominent place is occupied by the section on Nick’s volunteer assistance to people with disabilities. He accompanied them to the events of the Negev Bowling Association, and many of his charges have fond memories of these unforgettable moments.

Let us note that Nicole, Nick’s sister, is studying in the 10th grade at the Makif Alef school.

(Nick Beiser’s funeral)

Nick Beiser was buried in Beersheba on December 17, 2023. “You can’t even imagine how important you are to us, you gave us happiness and pride. We couldn’t help you and be there for you when you needed it most,” his mother, Katya Beiser, said with tears, saying goodbye with son.

Ron Sherman was buried at Kibbutz Lechavim. On his tombstone set on January 13the inscription is embossed: “Kidnapped, abandoned, sacrificed in Gaza due to the inaction of the government during the tragedy of October 7, 2023.”

(Photography: Herzl Yosef)

Maayan Sherman, the mother of a fighter, said at the memorial ceremony: “Our country has always won, in any situation, but the current government did nothing. We were always told that you would be rescued from captivity either during an operation or as a result of a deal. I was sure that you could handle it. I believed that the country would not abandon you.”

The fighter’s mother said that on October 7, shortly before the abduction, she corresponded with her son. In his last message, Ron wrote: “Mom, goodbye, love you. They’re here, it’s over.” Later, a video appeared on social networks that showed terrorists taking Ron and Nick to the Gaza Strip.

“They don’t tell us anything. But it seems that the children were simply sacrificed, paying for the pride, lawlessness and inaction of the government, which is still busy dividing up coalition funds and fighting for political survival.” And this is instead of helping those who really need it – reservists, evacuees, families of hostages,” said Sergeant Sherman’s mother at her son’s grave.