Who is Nimrod Cohen? The 19-Year-Old IDF Soldier Who Was Freed After Two Years in Hamas Captivity

Updated: Monday, October 13, 2025, 19:27 [IST]

After two years of silence, fear, and unanswered questions, IDF soldier Nimrod Cohen is finally home. The 19-year-old, who was abducted by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack, was among 20 hostages freed today as part of the latest ceasefire and exchange deal brokered by Egypt and the United States.

Nimrod was captured from a burning tank near Kibbutz Nir Im, along with his slain comrades Omer Neutra, Oz Daniel, and Shaked Dahan. For two years, his parents, Yehuda and Vicki Cohen, pleaded for information - unsure if their son was even alive.

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IDF soldier Nimrod Cohen, who was abducted by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack, returned home as part of a ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and the United States; he endured torture and psychological abuse during two years in captivity and is expected to need rehabilitation.

Nimrod Cohen Freed 19-Year-Old IDF Soldier Returns Home After Two Years in Hamas Captivity

According to testimonies from previously released captives, Nimrod endured torture and psychological abuse during his time in Hamas custody. He was reportedly kept in a cage, interrogated about his IDF service, and shown videos of his fallen friends.

Watch the moments that Rom Broslavski, Nimrod Cohen, and Eitan Horn were welcomed back home into Israel by the IDF 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/panFrDZfoI
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 13, 2025

In February, he managed to send a brief message through another hostage: "I am okay. Don't worry, I love you."

Welcome Home, Nimrod Cohen

Nimrod, 20, is an IDF soldier who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, after his tank was attacked near the border between Kibbutz Nir Oz and Nirim. He was the only survivor among four crew members. The other three - Omer Neutra, Shaked Dahan… pic.twitter.com/EOxUtUNiBI
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) October 13, 2025

When the family finally received word of his inclusion in today's exchange, they described it as "the longest breath we've taken in two years."

Nimrod Cohen reunited with his family, safe in Israel, after two years in Hamas’ terror tunnels. pic.twitter.com/OHiGovO0fA
— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) October 13, 2025

Nimrod's father told CBS News that his son is expected to need intensive physical and psychological rehabilitation, suffering from skin disease, infections, and trauma.

Cohen's release comes amid renewed efforts under the Trump administration's "Peace Plan 2.0," which seeks phased ceasefires and international oversight in Gaza.

For Israel, his return is both a triumph and a tragedy - a symbol of endurance, sacrifice, and the unending scars of war.