Jerusalem, November 3, 2025 — The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Chairman of the Executive Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog and Chairman of the Board of Governors Mark Wilf visited former hostage Capt. (res.) Maxim Herkin at his home on Monday, following his release from Hamas captivity after 738 days.

Herkin was abducted from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, and returned to Israel late last week. Born in the former Soviet Union and raised in Ukraine, Herkin made Aliyah (immigration to Israel) through The Jewish Agency before serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

He told Almog and Wilf about his two years in captivity, his faith in the Israeli people, his concern for his family’s well-being, and the emotional reunion he experienced with his daughter, Monica, after his return.

“With our people, how could you not be strong?” Herkin said. “Each day I realize more deeply the magnitude of the support. At first, I thought I understood how great it was — but now I see I can’t even grasp it. It just keeps growing.”

Almog and Wilf commended Herkin for his resilience and courage, and pledged that the global Jewish community will continue advocating for the return of all hostages and fallen soldiers.

The visit underscored the connection between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. It took place during The Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors meetings in Jerusalem, where hundreds of Jewish community leaders gathered to develop aid programs to strengthen Israel and increase global awareness of the remaining hostages.

Almog and Wilf later visited wounded lone soldiers from Canada and Sweden who were injured in the Swords of Iron War and are receiving treatment at Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital. The soldiers and their families are being supported throughout their recovery by The Jewish Agency’s Wings program, which provides multifaceted assistance for lone soldiers.

In the afternoon, Almog and Wilf marked Aliyah Week with a visit to the ulpan (immersive Hebrew-language academy) at Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael, where they met young olim who chose to move to Israel during wartime to help rebuild the country and strengthen its society.

Since the October 7 attacks, more than 54,000 olim have arrived in Israel with the support of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and The Jewish Agency. Many are young adults seeking to build their futures in Israel despite moving during a war.

The Board of Governors meeting is focusing on initiatives to reinforce Israel’s resilience, including plans to increase immigration and develop special absorption programs for newcomers moving to northern and southern Israel.

Media Contact:
Jacob Kamaras, JCubed Communications
jacob@jcubedpr.com

About The Jewish Agency for Israel:

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. Today, The Jewish Agency acts collectively to strengthen Israel and the Jewish people worldwide—by advancing Aliyah as a core value, deepening connections between our global Jewish family, supporting the resilience and security of global Jewish communities, and encouraging every Jewish person to engage with Israel. The Jewish Agency also continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address the Jewish people’s greatest challenges and respond to emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.