Mika Engel

Mika is involved in education and volunteer work. She volunteers with children in school and after-school programs, especially with children who have special needs. Wherever she goes, Mika is loved and appreciated, always surrounded by friends. She is a fan of the rapper ‘Tuna’, knows all his songs by heart, and makes her entire family listen to them. Mika also has a special bond with animals and great love towards them. The family owns two adorable dogs.
The Engel family moved to Kibbutz Nir Oz 12 years ago; parents Ronen (54) and Karina (51), and children; Tom (21), Mika (18) and Yuval (11).
Four members of the Engel family; Ronen, Karina, Mika and Yuval were kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from the safety of their home. Tom, the firstborn, did not spend that weekend on the kibbutz. In the family’s last messages, they said they were hiding in their sealed room, aware of what was taking place on the grounds of the kibbutz.
While they were held hostage in Gaza, Mika spent the whole time on her sister’s side, without their parents. After 30 days in Hamas captivity, the two were reunited with their mother, Karina.
Mika’s mother Karina Engelbert, a recent cancer survivor, holds an Argentine citizenship. The family has been trying to get assistance from the Argentine Embassy in Israel and through South American media.
Karina, Mika, and Yuval were released on November 27, 2023 as part of a temporary cease-fire deal, and were reunited at home with Tom.
Tragically, after 55 days of uncertainty, the family was informed that Ronen had been murdered. The IDF confirmed the death of Ronen Engel on December 1, 2023, while his body is still being held in Gaza. Ronen left behind a heart-broken family.