JNF UK Trustees and staff are overjoyed that their cherished colleague, Sagui Dekel-Chen, has been released after 497 days in captivity and is finally back where he belongs, with his family, friends, and community.

Sagui, part of JNF UK’s team in Israel, was at his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz when the horrors of October 7 unfolded. In a pure act of selflessness and bravery, he alerted his community to the attack, urging residents to lock themselves in sealed rooms for safety. After ensuring his pregnant wife Avital and two daughters were safe, he joined the kibbutz’s security team, only to be taken hostage by Hamas.

During his captivity, Sagui’s wife gave birth to their third daughter, an unimaginable reality for any father who up to a few days ago did not know whether his family had survived. Now, at long last, he can embrace his family again, including the daughter he had never met.

Sagui has worked tirelessly for JNF UK for over eight years. His entrepreneurship and love of the land has made him an invaluable member of the JNF UK team in Israel. Sagui has dedicated himself to building and strengthening the Negev and Gallil and initiated various JNF UK projects including their DIY Volunteering Programme, Disaster Relief Units and Urban Forests. As a hobby, he has been transforming old buses into mobile grocery shops and mobile classrooms for remote Negev communities.

JNF UK CEO Elan Gorji expressed, “We are overwhelmed with joy that our prayers have been answered and Sagui has returned. Over the years, Sagui has been an instrumental part of JNF UK, contributing to the growth and strengthening of communities across Israel. His work has left an indelible mark on the State of Israel, and his return is a source of immense relief and happiness for all of us. While we celebrate Sagui’s return, we remain mindful that many hostages are still awaiting freedom. We continue to pray for their safe return.”