Avera Mengistu
Avera Mengistu is an Ethiopian Israeli who had been held captive by Hamas for over a decade. After battling severe psychological issues for several years, Mengistu had crossed into the Gaza Strip in 2014. Hamas held him captive and efforts to obtain his release failed for several years.
He was finally released in February 2025 as part of the 2025 Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal.
Avera Mengistu still carries deep scars after a decade in Gaza captivity, relative says
Despite the difficulty in recalling details, some moments remain etched in his memory — the moment he entered Gaza, and the moment he left.
Hisham's father takes aim at Arab world for failing to act, Avera's brother calls for full release
Hamas's abuse of two mentally ill Israelis shows depths of terror group's cruelty - comment
Who is Avera Mengistu, the Hamas hostage who was released after 11 years in captivity?
Hostage release plan finalized: 33 hostages to be freed in initial phase
While families of hostages have welcomed the agreement, others criticized the release of high-security detainees. The government has stressed the necessity of the deal to bring hostages home.
'You country is abandoning you': Avera Mengistu's family at rally marking 10 years in captivity
"As of yesterday, September 7, it has been 10 years of Avera Mengistu being held in Hamas' brutal captivity," said the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
23 Israeli, Jewish defining moments of 2023
This past year has been eventful, with ups and downs alike.
Hamas publishes photos of IDF tags snatched from Israeli soldier
The terrorist group did not provide further details about the dog tag, which carried the name of the Givati Brigade.
'Do I need to set myself on fire?' Goldin family tells Netanyahu at memorial
Ayelet Goldin, Hadar's sister, called out to Netanyahu "You are guilty, prime minister. You are abandoning soldiers and civilians."
14 Days: IDF chief
Israeli news highlights from the past two weeks.
Hamas: Prisoner swap deal with Israel, Netanyahu possible - report
Hamas, after it shared footage of Avera Mengistu, said most prisoner swap deals were with right-wing Israeli governments.
Letters to the Editor January 25, 2023: Morning coffee
Readers of The Jerusalem Post have their say.
Why don't Israelis, Diaspora Jews care about Avera Mengistu? - opinion
It seems that Avera Mengistu is too black and poor for the Israeli government to care and too Israeli for the international community to care.
Letters to the Editor January 23, 2023: Well-worn process
Readers of The Jerusalem Post have their say.
Netanyahu: Mengistu video confirms what Israel knew- that he’s alive
Hamas released a video that depicted Mengistu, an Israeli civilian, speaking a few short sentences on Monday.
