Closing the circle: Name revealed for the daughter of hostage survivor Elkana Bohbot

Hostage survivor Elkana Bohbot and his wife Rivka revealed today, Monday, the name of their newborn daughter: Michel. The couple chose to share the news in a way that symbolizes a closing of the circle, recreating the sign Elkana held in the helicopter during his evacuation from the Re'im camp, now reading: "Rami, Dad, Mom and Michel are on the way!!".

As recalled, less than a year after his release, the couple welcomed their daughter. They shared the happy news on social media along with the Psalm "Mizmor LeToda" ("A Psalm of Thanksgiving"), receiving numerous well-wishes. The news comes a few months after the couple announced the pregnancy in a video where Elkana wore a "Dad" hat and their son Ram kissed his mother's belly.

For the Bohbot family, this is an especially emotional moment after a turbulent period. Elkana was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, from the Nova festival, where he had stayed to help evacuate others during the massacre. He was held in the Gaza Strip for 738 days under brutal conditions, including violence, hunger, and being kept in chains. Throughout his captivity, he maintained his faith, praying daily, performing Kiddush on Friday nights, and fasting on Yom Kippur with other hostages.

During his captivity, the terrorist organization Hamas used Bohbot in propaganda videos. After returning to Israel, he revealed that his statements were coerced under violence and threats. On October 13, 2025, after 738 days, Bohbot was released as part of a hostage deal and reunited with his family. Since his return, he has shared his story and, in January 2026, published his autobiography, "738 Days in Hamas Captivity".