A Father and a Worker: Two Lives Taken, Two Families in Mourning

In a somber turn of events, the remains of Ronen Engel, a beloved photographer and volunteer medic, and Sonthaya Oakkharasr, a dedicated agricultural worker, were returned to Israel by Hamas. This happened after a long period of uncertainty for their families. The bodies were handed over to the Red Cross and then to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday night. The IDF confirmed the identities of the deceased through forensic experts. Both men were tragically killed by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, during the surprise attack on southern Israel. Ronen Engel, a 54-year-old father of three, was taken from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. His wife and two daughters were also abducted but were later released under a ceasefire agreement. Engel was known for his kindness, his love for nature, and his dedication to helping others. He volunteered as a medic and was close to becoming a certified ambulance driver. His family and community remember him as a man who always brought smiles to those around him, even in the most difficult situations. Sonthaya Oakkharasr, a 30-year-old Thai national, had been working on various kibbutzim in Israel for eight years. He was in Kibbutz Be’eri when he was killed. Oakkharasr was a quiet, hardworking man who dreamed of returning to Thailand to build his own farm. He kept in close contact with his young daughter and his mother, who were left in Thailand. His death was confirmed by the IDF in May 2024, but his body was only recently returned. The return of these two bodies brings some closure to their families, who have been living in anguish for over two years. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed their support for the families, acknowledging the relief they must feel, even in their grief. Mika Engel, Ronen’s daughter, shared her feelings on social media, stating that while this was not the outcome they hoped for, it was a step towards closure. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing since October 7, 2023. The hostage deal, which was reached earlier this month, required Hamas to release the remaining living hostages and the bodies of those they hold. In exchange, Israel has released Palestinian prisoners and the bodies of Palestinians. However, the process has been slow, with Hamas claiming they need more equipment to locate the remaining deceased hostages. Israel has accused Hamas of stalling and has threatened to reduce humanitarian aid to Gaza as a result. The war began when Hamas-led terrorists invaded southern Israel, killing over 1, 200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. The brutality of the attack shocked the world, and the aftermath has been a complex web of negotiations, grief, and unresolved conflicts. The return of Engel and Oakkharasr’s bodies is a small step in a much larger, ongoing struggle.