Maxim Herkin

Maxim ‘Max’ Herkin, originally from the Ukraine and residing in Tirat Hacarmel, is a loving father to his 3-year-old daughter, Monica. His generous spirit extends to his entire family; his little girl, his mother, his 11-year-old brother Peter, and his partner Anna; ensuring they lack nothing.
Years ago, while seeking a sense of belonging and safety she felt was missing in Ukraine, Maxim’s mother decided to make Aliyah with her sons. However, the distressing event of Maxim's kidnapping has shattered the newfound security they had so cherished in Israel. The uncertainty surrounding Maxim's condition, exacerbated by reports of the dire situations faced by the hostages in Gaza, has left his family grappling with immense anxiety.
Maxim's attendance at the Nova trance music festival was a spur-of-the-moment decision, encouraged by friends. Unbeknownst to him, it would be his first and last experience at such an event, as it turned into a nightmare when Hamas terrorists launched a brutal attack on the festival, resulting in significant loss of life and numerous abductions, including Maxim's. In the chaos, Maxim attempted to reassure his mother via text, unaware these would be the last messages she would receive from him. “Everything’s OK” he wrote to her at first, early morning on that terrible Saturday, “I’m coming home. Slowly but surely.” Later, as the horror unfolded, he wrote his mother, simply, “I love you”.
Maxim is described by his mother as the family's pillar and anchor, the center of her world. His ambitions and dedication to supporting his family underscore the void his absence has created. The attack on October 7th did more than just take Maxim; it robbed his family of their sense of safety and peace.
His mother's appeal for Maxim's return is a heartfelt plea to prioritize human lives over any cost, a testament to a mother's love and the desperation of those left waiting. The solidarity and support from the Israeli community provide a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, uniting in the fervent hope for Maxim's safe return.