Ofer Kalderon (Ofer ben Kochava), 53, a father of four, was taken captive on October 7 from kibbutz Nir Oz with two of his children, Sahar, 12, and Erez, 11. Kalderon’s ex-wife Hadas and son Rotem, 19, hid in the safe room of their apartments, while daughter Gaya, 21, was in Tel Aviv. Held separately, Sahar and Erez were released in November.

Ofer is a master carpenter and loves rebuilding engines, mountain biking, camping, and cooking Shabbat dinner for his family. The Kalderon family has lived in Nir Oz for generations. Gaya said, “My dad brought me up; he’s my best friend. I have no one to talk to.”