Nadav Popplewell

Nadav Poppelewell, born in Kibbutz Nirim to British and South African parents who immigrated to Israel, grew up with his older brother Roi and younger sister Ayelet. A British citizen by heritage, his family hails from Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Nadav, an IT professional in Sderot, is known for his generosity, kindness, and devotion as a son, brother, and uncle. He treasures time with his beloved nephews and is passionate about literature, particularly science fiction, amassing a vast collection over the years. Nadav also enjoys playing bridge with kibbutz friends and watching thriller series in his leisure.
On October 7th, a grim turn of events unfolded when Ayelet, living in Kibbutz Yagur, alerted Nadav and their mother, 79-year-old Channa Peri about terrorists infiltrating Kibbutz Nirim. Amidst this chaos, Channa couldn't secure her safe room, and Nadav reported hearing shouts in Arabic outside his home. Subsequent messages from Channa's phone, including a distressing photo with Nadav under armed guard and labeled "Hamas," confirmed their worst fears. BBC reports later revealed another photo on Channa's Facebook, picturing her, Nadav, and an armed Hamas terrorist, pointing an AK-47 at them, intensifying the family's ordeal. Later it became clear that Channa and her son Nadav were taken hostage into Gaza. Tragically, the family learned that their firstborn, Roi Poppelewell, was murdered by Hamas terrorists that day, in the vicinity of his home.
Channa, who manages diabetes with daily insulin, and Nadav, who requires medication for his condition, faced dire health risks during captivity. After enduring 49 days in Hamas captivity, Channa Peri was released as part of a temporary ceasefire agreement, yet Nadav remains captive in Gaza, at the time of writing these lines.

The family, especially Channa, struggles to cope with Roi's loss while fearing for Nadav's safety. Nadav’s determined sister Ayelet Svatitzky, a successful author and advocate for his release, has spoken out in London, her life consumed by efforts to secure her brother's freedom. She holds onto hope despite the overwhelming challenges.
As the days pass, the urgency to rescue Nadav and all hostages still held by Hamas grows. The global community is called upon to demand their immediate release, reflecting a united stand against injustice.
Nadav, a humble man with a quiet life, cherished his kibbutz existence, filled with literature, bridge games, bike rides, and family. Now, caught in a nightmarish situation, one can only wonder about his thoughts and hopes amidst the ordeal. The campaign for his release continues, a testament to a family's love and resilience in the face of adversity. The time for action is now, as every moment counts in the fight to bring Nadav and others back to safety and normalcy.

On June 3, 2024, the IDF confirmed the deaths of Nadav Popplewell and three other hostages: Chaim Peri, Amiram Cooper and Yoram Metzger. The announcement followed the gathering of new intelligence findings.

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a press briefing that the military could not immediately confirm the circumstances of the deaths but would investigate fully. The IDF estimates that the four were killed together, in the Khan Younis area, several months ago, while being held by Hamas terrorists and during IDF operations in Khan Younis. All four hostages had previously been seen alive in propaganda videos filmed during their captivity in Gaza and released by Hamas.

Nadav Popplewell was known for his humbleness and his love for his family. Nadav’s family, friends, and community are grieving this untimely loss.

Honor the memory of Nadav
Nadav was kidnapped by Hamas, and his family later learned of his murder.
Write a message of support to his family.