Yulie Ben Ami, daughter of Hamas hostage survivors Raz and Ohad Ben Ami, was married Thursday in a ceremony attended by Israeli President Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal. The event took place amid a backdrop of personal and national significance, reflecting the family's ordeal and resilience following the 2021 Hamas attack.

Herzog described the wedding as a “moment of pure victory and happiness,” highlighting the family's perseverance throughout years of uncertainty. He recalled the emotional struggle endured by Yulie and her sisters, Ella and Natalie, as they campaigned for the safe return of their parents. Herzog referenced the “harrowing images” of Ohad Ben Ami after his captivity and noted that the family “never gave up hope for even a moment that the family would be together again.”

Ohad Ben Ami spent 491 days in Hamas captivity before being released as part of a prisoner exchange deal. He was freed alongside two others, Or Levy and Eli Sharabi. Raz Ben Ami, his wife, was also held hostage in Gaza, spending 54 days in captivity before her release under the same agreement.

The wedding ceremony included praise for Yulie’s partner, Roberto Meir, whom Herzog commended for his “heroism” during the October 7 attack. Meir reportedly resisted Hamas militants at the kibbutz, and Herzog noted that he now stood with Yulie under the traditional wedding canopy, or huppah.

Throughout this period, the Ben Ami family remained vocal advocates for the continued efforts to return hostages held by Hamas. Their public campaign underscored the ongoing humanitarian and security challenges facing Israel.

The wedding stands as a poignant milestone, symbolizing not only the union of two individuals but also the resilience of a family that endured deep trauma amid one of Israel’s most trying recent episodes. President Herzog’s presence at the event emphasized the broader national significance of their story, highlighting themes of hope, endurance, and recovery.