Avera Mengistu

IDF kills Hamas terrorist who held three hostages, Sinwar's ex-bodyguard, others in Gaza strikes

The IDF and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) also confirmed it killed Razek Sahil Suleiman Abu Shahma, Yahya Sinwar’s bodyguard and a Hamas Nukhba terrorist who infiltrated Re’im on October 7.

An IDF biographical infographic on Hamas terrorist Ismail Mohammed Ibrahim Barim, who held three hostages in the Gaza Strip, published August 27, 2026.
Ashgara Mengistu, Avera Mengitsu's brother, is missing.

Brother of former hostage Avera Mengitsu missing, police ask public for help with search

Avera Mengistu seen ahead of his release from Gaza, February 22, 2025

IDF carried out mission to locate former hostage Avera Mengistu a day before Oct. 7 - KAN

 Former hostage Avera Mengistu about to embrace his family at Sourasky Medical Center.

Former Hamas hostage Avera Mengistu released from hospital


Hamas threatens families of captured Israelis: 'accept our terms'

The post and video were released in the midst of ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel.

Mengistu, Goldin and Shaul

On this day: Gilad Shalit Released from Hamas captives

When one Israeli became worth 1,027 Palestinian prisoners.

Gilad Shalit 521

Free Avera Mengistu

The story of Avera Mengistu is far from political. It is the story of a son and a brother – a human being. It is heartbreaking and painful, and the silence surrounding it is tragic.

A protest calling for the return of Avera Mengistu

Greenblatt: ‘Pray with me’ for release of Hamas-held Israeli captives

The Mengistu and al-Sayed families also issued a call on Thursday for the release of the two men, both of whom suffer from mental illness.

Jason Greenblatt, US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy.

Israeli captive’s family sent Hamas a video pleading for his release

“Every day my mother cries and says, 'Where is my son, Avera, whom I raised with great devotion and difficulty in Ethiopia, and here in Israel?”

Avera Mengistu

Avera Mengistu’s father: Son’s disappearance is a ‘conspiracy of silence’

Mengistu, an Ethiopian-Israeli who lived in Ashkelon and is said to suffer from mental instability, was captured by Hamas after walking across the Gazan border.

Avera Mengistu's father Eilin holding a megaphone during a rally, asking the prime minister to come talk with him

Liberman: Returning missing soldiers and citizens ensures aid for Gazans

Defense Minister urges Gazans to put pressure on Hamas

Mengistu, Goldin and Shaul

Israel must pressure Hamas to release captives, say MKs

"There will not be any arrangement with Hamas in Gaza without the boys coming home.”

A protest calling for the return of Avera Mengistu

A time to pause: Israel at 70

It is time to pause to consider others who are less fortunate, who are not free and those who live under repressive regimes or harsh restrictions.

Jonathan Pollard

Israel’s Ethiopian community mourns those who died en route to Jerusalem

Rivlin and Netanyahu both underscored the special attachment that Ethiopian Jews have to the city of Jerusalem.

Benjamin Netanyahu at a remembrance ceremony for Ethiopian Jews who lost their lives on their way to Israel in Mt. Herzl, Jerusalem Day 2018