Yosef Hamis Al-Ziadneh was kidnapped on October 7th along with his children Hamzah (21), Bilal (18) and Aisha (17). The family worked in the dairy farm of Kibbutz Holit, what could be considered the most Zionist job there is, a far cry from the stereotype and narrative of "the wild south" or "the Bedouin rioters".
Yosef is beloved by everyone, his family says. "He likes to be involved in all family matters and is always a peacemaker, resolving conflicts. We now gather at the eldest brother's place, but we always used to gather at Yosef's, the middle brother, who everyone adores. Everyone loves him. Everyone would sit at his place."
Yosef is married and a father to 18 children. He has worked for 17 years at the dairy farm in Kibbutz Holit.
Aisha and Bilal Al-Ziadneh were released after 55 days in Hamas captivity as part of a temporary cease-fire deal. However, Hamza and Yosef are still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, and their family and community await anxiously for their safe return home.