Doron Steinbrecher

Doron Steinbrecher, affectionately called ‘Dorona’ by all her friends, is a veterinary nurse from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Known for her boundless love for animals, Doron is the go-to person for anyone needing care for their furry family member. She even has a tattoo of Rulli, the beloved family dog from her childhood. Despite frequent bombing from Gaza, she never hesitates to attend the clinic to care for the animals in need. In addition to being an adored, devoted friend, Doron is a full-time aunt, showering her sister Yamit's young children with love and attention.

Doron found herself amidst a harrowing ordeal on Saturday October 7 when Hamas terrorists launched an attack on her community. That Saturday, Doron stayed in her young members’ residence within the kibbutz, which suffered the most severe destruction. With the onset of alarms and the news of terrorists roaming around the kibbutz, a wave of disbelief and fear swept through the community. Despite reassurances shared within the family WhatsApp group, the stark reality was that many had already fallen victim to the attack, including the security squad. Doron's last call around 10:20 a.m., revealing her fear as terrorists attempted to invade her home, and a subsequent voice message to her friends, simply saying “I’m being kidnapped”, were the last communications before her capture.
The posting of a video by Hamas, some 113 days later, showing Doron along with 19-year-old Karina Ariev and Daniella Gilboa, has brought a mix of relief and renewed determination to her loved ones. While they refuse to comment on the video's content, the sight of Doron alive, albeit in captivity, has infused the family with a much-needed sense of renewed hope.“I was so moved to hear her voice!” Yamit, her sister, shares, “I can see in her eyes that she is brave and a fighter. Her physical condition is, well, as expected after more than 100 days in captivity. We must not give up on her or anyone else."

This hope fuels the efforts of her friends and family—her parents Simona and Roni, her brother Dor, and sister Yamit—as they campaign for her release. Her absence is profoundly felt by her nephews, childhood friend Eyal Yofe, best friend Ofir Oved, and Dr. Itay Sabag, for whom Doron had been his right hand for the past five years, along with their many four-legged patients and their owners, who deeply miss her and eagerly await her to come home soon.