'Filled with happiness': Four-year-old Abigail Idan freed from Hamas, returns to Israel

Idan, who holds American citizenship, has become a symbol of sorts for the nearly 40 children held captive by Hamas after Biden discussed her plight with Qatar's emir.

 First photo of Avigail Idan with her aunt and grandmother after her release from Hamas captivity, November 27, 2023 (photo credit: Courtesy)
First photo of Avigail Idan with her aunt and grandmother after her release from Hamas captivity, November 27, 2023
(photo credit: Courtesy)

Abigail Idan, a three-year-old hostage singled out by US President Joe Biden, was released from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip after 52 days.

She was made an orphan during the October 7 massacre, when her parents, Roy and Smadar, were murdered by Hamas terrorists.

Idan, who holds American citizenship, has become a symbol of sorts for the nearly 40 children held captive by Hamas after Biden discussed her plight with Qatar's Emir.

She hid in her neighbor’s home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the massacre. Her older siblings, six-year-old Amalia and nine-year-old Michael survived the massacre, hiding in a closet next to their mother's body.

Their father Roy was a Ynet photographer who tried to capture photos of the Hamas terrorists on gliders entering the Kibbutz.

 IF BIDEN asks Netanyahu for a few more days, that might see the release of all the hostages as well as the removal of Hamas from power, what will Netanyahu do? (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90)
IF BIDEN asks Netanyahu for a few more days, that might see the release of all the hostages as well as the removal of Hamas from power, what will Netanyahu do? (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90)

Abigail's grandfather: We are filled with joy mixed with sadness

Carmel, Abigail's grandfather, told Maariv: "We are filled with happiness; joy mixed with sadness.

"Our son and his wife were murdered," he lamented, but "we chose to continue living; I have many plans to eternalize Roy and Smadar."

Israeli singer Lior Narkis offered to adopt Abigail on Instagram, saying that he and his wife Sapir would be happy to welcome her into their family and urged members of the family to contact him.