Yulie Ben-Ami, daughter of Hamas captivity survivors, marries in ceremony attended by Herzog

“Seeing the entire family today, three full years after the horrific disaster, standing together at their daughter's wedding, is a joy that's hard to describe," Herzog said.

Yulie Ben-Ami, daughter of Hamas captivity survivors Raz and Ohad Ben-Ami, got married on Thursday in an emotional ceremony attended by President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal. 

Herzog called the ceremony a “moment of pure victory and happiness” in a post on X/Twitter, remembering Yulie and her sisters Ella and Natalie’s struggle to bring their parents home and the “harrowing images” of Ohad following captivity.

“They never gave up hope for even a moment that the family would be together again—and now the moment has arrived,” Herzog said in the post.

“Seeing the entire family today, three full years after the horrific disaster, standing together at their daughter's wedding, is a joy that's hard to describe.”

Herzog also applauded Roberto Meir, Yulie’s partner, for his “heroism” on October 7th. “He fought terrorists in the kibbutz—and today he stands beside Yulie under the chuppah,” he wrote.

Who are Raz and Ohad Ben-Ami?

Yulie and her family members were strong advocates in the fight to return hostages captured by Hamas, even after her father was returned to Israel following a deal to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages.

"The return of the hostages yesterday leaves no room for doubt! They all must return! We will not stop fighting until the last hostage comes home,” Yulie said during a press conference demanding the continuation of hostage deals.

Prior to that, Yulie participated in a protest outside of the prime minister’s home alongside other hostage families. 

Ohad Ben-Ami was freed from Hamas captivity after 491 days alongside Or Levy and Eli Sharabi. His wife, Raz, was released after 54 days in Gaza, also as part of a hostage deal.