Gali Berman

גלי בן טליה

Age: 26 27

Background & Family

Twin brother of Ziv, Gali is originally from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, near the Gaza border. He and Ziv lived in the kibbutz’s “young generation” neighborhood, worked at a local lighting and sound company, loved soccer (fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv & Liverpool), and were inseparable—described as “lighting up the office with his smile”.

Capture

On October 7, 2023, during Hamas’s raid on Kfar Aza, Gali and Ziv were reportedly stayed to comfort a terrified neighbor before being taken. Both brothers lived in the kibbutz’s “young generation” neighborhood. Out of 37 residents in this neighborhood, 11 were murdered, and seven—including Gali and Ziv—were kidnapped and taken to Gaza. 

The Bermans’ family story is harrowing. Gali’s older brother, Liran Berman (36), was at home in Zichron Ya’akov during the attack, while their parents, Talia Berman (60) and Doron Berman (64), as well as another brother, Idan Berman (32), were at Kfar Aza. Talia and Doron were later rescued by the IDF, as was Idan, but the family was left in agonizing uncertainty about Gali and Ziv’s fate. 

After days of searching and attending numerous funerals, they were informed that the twins had been kidnapped by Hamas—a revelation that brought both relief and pain. 

Gali’s bravery during the attack has been noted. In a recording shared during a Knesset hearing, Gali told his mother he was going to protect his terrified friend, Emily Tehila Damari (28), who was also abducted from the kibbutz. Emily was released, but Gali and Ziv remain captives. The family continues to hope for their release, clinging to memories of their courage and the bonds that unite them. 

Status in Captivity

As of June 2025, Gali remains held in Gaza by Hamas. In February, the family received confirmation he was alive—albeit held separately from Ziv. 

Personal Traits

Beloved for his charisma, warmth, and generosity—one family member recalled that “you could hear Gali greeting everyone, ‘Sha-looom,’ from a mile away.”