Yoram Metzger

Yoram Metzger and his wife Tamar (Tami) reside in Kibbutz Nir Oz and have three children and seven grandchildren. Yoram used to work at Nirlat industries on Kibbutz Nir Oz and, in recent years, at the kibbutz's garage. He enjoys cooking, is a history enthusiast, and is a member of the Nir Oz wine and vineyard parliament. From his small home kitchen, the aromas of his cooking would fill the air, and the laughter from the wine parliament would echo across the green lawns.
On October 7th, Yoram's smile vanished, and the sound of pots in his kitchen was silenced. On that fateful Saturday, Tami and Yoram, who is diabetic and in need of a hearing aid, were forcibly separated and kidnapped from their home on Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas terrorists. The two found themselves reunited only in the harrowing confines of Hamas's tunnels in Gaza. Alongside friends from Nir Oz and Nir Am, they endured unimaginable conditions.
Hamas published a distressing video showing three hostages: Yoram Metzger, Chaim Peri and Amiram Cooper. Yoram’s appearance on the video has heightened concerns for his well-being, given the absence of the joy that once filled his life. The IDF's discovery of a detention facility deep within a tunnel in Khan Yunis, Gaza, corroborates the severe environment the hostages faced, with minimal air and no access to natural light.
Tami was eventually freed during a temporary cease-fire deal in late November. Yoram is still held hostage in Gaza.
Tami's account of their captivity reveals the grim reality of their ordeal, suffering from starvation and physical injuries. Today, the Metzger family clings to hope for Yoram's return, holding onto memories of happier times and the resilient spirit that defines their love and unity.

On June 3, 2024, the IDF confirmed the deaths of Yoram Metzger and three other hostages: Amiram Cooper, Chaim Peri, and Nadav Popplewell. 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.

Metzger worked in the Nirlat paint factory for decades and more recently in the kibbutz garage. He was described by his family as an excellent cook, a lover of history with a great sense of humor, and a dedicated drinker of the Nir Oz winery’s cellar. He is survived by his wife, Tami, three children, and seven grandchildren.
Yoram’s family, friends, and community are heartbroken by this tremendous loss.

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