The body of Captain Daniel Shimon Peretz, an Israeli soldier taken hostage and later killed by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attacks, was laid to rest on Wednesday evening at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem. The ceremony marked a solemn moment in Israel’s ongoing effort to recover hostages and remains as part of the U.S.-brokered Gaza peace plan initiated by President Donald Trump.

Among the hundreds of mourners were senior Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, and recently released hostage Matan Angrest, who had served under Peretz in the 77th Battalion of the IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade.

“It was important to me to salute and pay final respects to my commander, Daniel,” said Angrest, visibly emotional. “He led our battle with courage and faith. The circle will close only when I see Itay Chen buried in the soil of Israel, together with all the fallen.”

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President Herzog Honors a “Steadfast and Moral Warrior”

In his eulogy, President Herzog paid tribute to Captain Peretz’s heroism and leadership, calling him a symbol of the Israeli spirit.

“Daniel led his soldiers with faith in the justice of their cause and with boundless love for his people,” Herzog said. “He fought until his last drop of blood, embodying the very essence of the Israeli warrior — steadfast, moral, and brave. Today, the son of the nation returns to his soil.”

Peretz’s coffin, draped in the Israeli flag, was carried by fellow soldiers as the sun set over Jerusalem — a powerful reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the continuing hope for reconciliation and peace.

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From South Africa to the IDF: A Life of Courage and Conviction

Born in South Africa, Daniel Peretz immigrated to Israel in 2014 with his family, settling in Yad Binyamin. Deeply rooted in both Judaism and Zionism, he was known for his infectious positivity and his ability to bridge gaps between people from diverse backgrounds — religious and secular, Israeli and international.

His father, Rabbi Doron Peretz, chairman of World Mizrahi, described his son as a man of “unshakable faith and boundless dedication.”

“On October 7, Daniel immediately ran to his tank and fought valiantly, saving the lives of many soldiers and civilians,” Rabbi Peretz said. “When his tank was surrounded, he refused to surrender easily — he fought until the end.”

Daniel’s bravery during the Hamas onslaught earned him commendations for valor and made him a symbol of resilience across Israel.

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“He Celebrated Life”: A Family’s Final Goodbye

At the funeral, Shira Peretz, Daniel’s sister, described her brother as a man who found joy even amid hardship.

“Daniel would have wanted us to live — truly live — for him,” she said through tears. “He celebrated life. He was always smiling, always finding light even in the darkest moments.”

Friends and fellow soldiers echoed her sentiments, remembering Daniel as “a leader who inspired courage” and “a friend who lifted others with his optimism.”

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A Symbol of Hope and National Unity

The return of Captain Peretz’s body marks one of the first tangible outcomes of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire and hostage recovery efforts. His repatriation symbolizes both personal closure for the Peretz family and collective healing for a nation still grieving more than two years after the October 7 massacre.

At the close of the service, a military honor guard fired a salute as the Israeli flag was folded and handed to Daniel’s parents.

“Daniel’s story is not only one of tragedy,” said Rabbi Doron Peretz, “but also of faith, unity, and the eternal bond between the Jewish people and their homeland.”

As the crowd dispersed under the quiet Jerusalem night, the sentiment was clear: Daniel Peretz’s bravery and optimism continue to inspire an entire nation.