Eitan Mor

Eitan Mor (Hebrew: איתן מור; born 30 May 2000) is an Israeli civilian who was abducted to the Gaza Strip during the October 7 attacks after being taken from the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im. He was held in captivity for 738 days and was released on 13 October 2025 (Hoshana Rabbah) as part of the third hostage-release agreement.

Early life

Eitan Mor is the son of Efrat and Tzvika Mor, the latter of whom serves as chairman of the Tikva Forum, an organization representing families of hostages. The family lives in Kiryat Arba, in which Mor grew up. Prior to his abduction, he worked as an unarmed security guard at large public events, including the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im. In addition to his work in security, Mor had professional experience in the culinary field and aspired to open his own restaurant.

Abduction

Between 6 October 2023 and 7 October 7 2023, the Nova music festival was held near Kibbutz Re’im in the Gaza border region. Mor was employed at the event as an unarmed security guard.

During the attack, Mor assisted festivalgoers by helping to evacuate victims and retrieve the bodies of women who had been killed, actions later described in eyewitness accounts and family statements.

Following his release, Mor testified that he was abducted by eight civilians, some of them children, possibly of third-grade age, who handed him over to Hamas operatives.

Mor endured periods of severe hunger, at times receiving only a few spoonfuls of rice per day. He lost 15 kilos of muscle. During his captivity, he cooked meals for his captors and taught them how to prepare food.

In February 2025, a sign of life was received from Mor. After his release Mor, stated that for one year he had been held in a family home that contained a bathroom, shower, and kitchen.

Release

Mor was released from Hamas captivity on 13 October 2025, Hoshana Rabbah, after 738 days in captivity, as part of the Gaza peace plan. His medical condition upon release was reported to be good.

He met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 14 October 2025. Mor was among the 26 released hostages who visited U.S. president Donald Trump at the White House. Mor gave Trump a special dreidel.