Ziv Berman

Born into a close-knit family, the 26-year-old twins Gali and Ziv ‘Zivi’ Berman from Kibbutz Kfar Aza share a remarkable bond; their family calls it 'Twin Power'. When Gali and Ziv are together (and they usually are), it's pure magic. They both have this infectious joy, always wearing a smile. Total goofballs, they are. Super sociable and beloved, they are the heart of their friends circle.
Gali and Ziv are known for their passion for soccer; Gali plays as a defender, and Ziv as a defensive midfielder on “Shualei Kfar Aza” (שועלי כפר עזה), and both are devoted fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Liverpool. They also share a passion for world travel, recently coming back from a trip to Costa Rica. They love the country, their kibbutz, their community, and their family to bits. They are incredible with their nephews; playing with them really shows their true colors.
The parents, Doron and Talya, have four sons: Liran (36), Idan (32) who also lives in Kfar Aza, and the twins. They are all very devoted to their family. Their father, Doron, has been ill, and they've always been there, helping out. All four Berman brothers got the same bear tattoo together, to forever remember that they are Bear-men.
The twins work together at Kfar Aza’s own sound and lighting company, “Syncope”, saving up for their dream trip to Australia. "Gali works, and Ziv oversees", says grandfather Gad Sobol, fondly. "You could hear Gali's greeting, "Sha-lom!", from a mile away, lighting up the office with smiles. At work, they're the life of the party, always making everyone's day better. They're great kids, hardworking," says their boss at “Syncope”, Gal. "Gali's excellent at what he does, a real motivator. He's always pushing Ziv forward until Ziv makes his own leap. They are an awesome team."
Israeli actor and comedian Shalom Michaelshvili, who became close to Gali and ‘Zivi’ following their work at “Syncope” says, "Everyone here believes they're the closest person to Gali and Ziv because that's the kind of people they are," he said, "They make everyone feel unique and special."
On October 7, the terror organization Hamas launched an unprecedented, surprise attack on southern Israel, including Kibbutz Kfar Aza. The kibbutz which sits five kilometers east of the Gaza strip, was infiltrated by around 70 terrorists and had more than 70 members murdered with 17 taken hostage. On that terrible Saturday morning, Gali and Ziv, who live in the vibrant young neighborhood of the kibbutz, woke up to the sound of bomb alarms. Alarms are pretty routine in the Gaza surrounding, but this time it was completely different. Emily Tehila Damari (27), their neighbor, was scared and asked Gali to stay with her. They even managed to send one last selfie from the safe room of her apartment. Ziv, who stayed in his apartment, told his family he could smell smoke; his house was totally burned down.
This was the last contact the Berman family had with the twins. For 11 days, which felt like eternity, they had no idea where Gali and Ziv were. On the twelfth day, the family was informed that they were likely kidnapped. The only clues were that there were no blood traces, and their phones were geolocated in Gaza. Kidnapped alongside the twins, and still held hostage when writing these lines, are their friends Emily and Doron Steinbrecher (30).
The sudden disappearance of Gali and Ziv on October 7th left a void in the lives of those who know them. The community and their family have been left in agonizing uncertainty, clinging to hope. Each member, from their brave mother, Talya, to their determined older brothers, Liran and Idan, and aunt Maccabit, contributes to the collective effort to bring them back.
Their aunt Maccabit shares, "I hope (the leaders of) Israel understands the magnitude of its responsibility to bring them home safely, just as they were taken from their beds in the morning. Today, the state's duty is to save them from the hell they're in." Maccabit hopes Israel will be creative and take steps to free all the hostages. "They might be men, but they're helpless. I hope all the remaining hostages, men and women, come back home safe and sound." In her concluding words, she sends a message to Gali and Ziv: "If you're hearing us, know that Dad, Mom, Liran, and Idan are alive. We believe you're alive too and will do everything to save you from there. Stay strong, we love you."
Talya Berman writes: "Just a little longer, my beloved sons. Just a little more, and this nightmare will end, you'll return, and I'll hug you so tight, breathe you in, and never let go. This is our life's mission. Every hour, every minute of the day and night is dedicated to you, my beloved."
As their family and friends wait and work towards their return, the spirit of Gali and Ziv remains a guiding light, inspiring all who know them to believe in the strength of unity and the hope for a joyful reunion. Hoping they are together, protected by their famous, supernatural 'Twin Power'.