Former Hamas hostage Eitan Horn, who was released from hospital on Oct. 16 after 738 days in captivity in Gaza, was invited to sing “Hatikvah” at a soccer game in Beersheva on Sunday.
Horn took to the field alongside his brother, Iair Horn, who was released by the terrorist organization in February, at a game of Hapoel Beersheva F.C., his favorite team, at the city’s Turner Stadium, Ynet reported.
“What a welcome—I’m speechless,” Horn told fellow fans. “I waited so long to be here with everyone at Turner. Football kept me going there.
“I thought about Hapoel Beersheva every day: who joined, who left and whether we won the championship,” the former hostage said. “As happy as I am, until the last hostage returns home, I can’t be truly happy. I ask the entire nation not to stop until the last hostage comes back.”
Hostage survivor Eitan Horn singing “Hatikvah” — before watching his favourite team, Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
— dahlia kurtz ✡︎ דליה קורץ (@DahliaKurtz) October 26, 2025
This hero knows the true meaning of life.
Always remember, Hatikvah means The Hope.🤍
pic.twitter.com/ee6LAv7403
Earlier on Sunday, Evyatar David, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Eitan Mor, who were released alongside Horn as part of the U.S.-brokered hostage deal Oct. 13, returned home from Rabin Medical Center’s Beilinson Hospital.
David, Gilboa-Dalal and Mor were the final three out of the 20 captives freed in the hostage deal to be discharged from hospital.
