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Former hostage reunites with daughter after 2 years in Hamas captivity

Maxim Herkin said seeing his daughter again was a “dream come true.”

By World Israel News Staff

Maxim Herkin, who was held captive by the Hamas terror group for two years, has finally reunited with his five-year-old daughter, Monica.

Herkin, a dual Israeli-Ukrainian citizen, was kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival on October 7. His daughter lives in Russia with his ex-partner, and he had seen her just a few days before his abduction.

Speaking at a celebration in his honor at the Kiryat Ata Country Club, Herkin described the reunion as a “dream come true.”

The former hostage said his daughter immediately recognized him, despite their long separation — something that deeply moved him.

“She gives me a lot of strength,” Herkin said of Monica. “I promised her that I’m with her, and I’ll always be here for her.”

Herkin told local media that he is “slowly” returning to normal life, though readjusting to freedom remains a gradual process.

“I’m extremely touched by the support, warmth, and love that I’m getting” from the Israeli public, he said.

Addressing ongoing social divisions in Israel, Herkin emphasized the importance of solidarity.

“I’m standing here today because of you. I love all of you…and it’s important for me to say that this unity in the air, in everyone’s hearts, cannot be lost. It’s a huge accomplishment,” he said.

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Kiryat Ata Mayor Yaakov Peretz, who welcomed Herkin at the event, said the city “embraces Maxim and his family today.”

Herkin’s return to Israel “is a moment of joy and national pride, and we send him a big hug on behalf of all the city’s residents,” Peretz added.

“This is a day of hope and light in a difficult time, and we all wish him a complete recovery and a return to a safe and peaceful life.”

Herkin, 36, was born in Ukraine’s disputed Donbass region — which is claimed by Russia as part of its territory — and immigrated to Israel as a teenager.

Although Hamas released several hostages with Russian citizenship, Herkin, who held only a Ukrainian passport, was not among them.

Despite his mother and daughter both having Russian citizenship, Hamas continued to hold him even after Russian President Vladimir Putin personally requested the release of Russian nationals.