Former Israeli hostages engaged to marry

Former Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker and his girlfriend, former hostage Ilana Gritzewsky, have become engaged.

Zangauker’s mother, Einav Zangauker, who was one of the most vocal voices among the families of the hostages held in Gaza, posted a photo on Sunday night of Matan, 26, and Ilana, 32, drinking champagne in front of a “Will you marry me” sign inside a flower-bedecked wreath in the form of a heart.

“My picture of victory,” Einav wrote. “Ilana & Matan.”

A large guitar-shaped building in the background placed the photo at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel near Hollywood, Fla.

The couple were abducted separately from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.

Matan endured 738 days in captivity, while Ilana was released after 55 days, after which time she fought tirelessly along with Matan’s mother for his release and that of all the hostages being held in Gaza.

The news of the engagement, coming three months after Matan was released from captivity, was also tweeted on Monday by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

“Dear Matan and Ilan: From unimaginable pain you chose life, love and hope,” Herzog wrote on X. “Your decision to build a life together is a moment of profound light for the people of Israel.”