Emotional scenes unfolded in Israel as hostages who were released had their first contact again with their loved ones, two years after their captivity by Hamas. In a video that’s making headlines worldwide, Einav Zangauker spoke by phone with her son Matan, who was among the first 7 released by the Islamist organization:
“You are all coming home. I love you. My life. The war is over. The war is over. There is no war. You are coming home, my life. You are coming home. There is no war. There is no war. It’s over. My life, I love you. I’m waiting for you,” she told him.
Specifically, according to the Jerusalem Post, shortly before the exchange, Hamas fighters gave hostages Matan Zangauker, Ariel and David Cunio, and Nimrod Cohen their phones to make video calls to their families. Thus, the aforementioned hostage, Matan Zangauker, was able to speak with his mother and girlfriend for the first time since his abduction on October 7, 2023. For her part, Silvia Cohen, mother of twins Ariel and David, stated that she initially didn’t answer the call because she didn’t recognize the phone number.
Video from the first contact of the released hostage with his mother
Einav Zangauker in a phone call with her son Matan, who is on his way back from Hamas captivity:
“You are all coming home. I love you. My life. The war is over. The war is over. There is no war. You are coming home, my life. You are coming home. There is no war. There is no war.… pic.twitter.com/T0LdZvJgNJ
— Embassy of Israel SA (@IsraelinSA) October 13, 2025
Matan Zangauker speaks with family for first time in over two years
In an emotional moment, hostage Matan Zangauker was able to speak with his mother and girlfriend for the first time since his abduction on October 7. pic.twitter.com/F83RculiIq
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) October 13, 2025
