Samer Fouad Al-Talalka

Samer Fouad Al-Talalka worked at the Nir Am kibbutz’s hatchery, where his commitment shone through, often taking on the weekend shifts, starting early in the morning. He and his father, Fouad Al-Talalka, worked together at the hatchery, while his mother taught for a living. They all lived in Hura, an Arab Bedouin town. Known for being genuine and kind, Samer had a serious love for motorcycles, considering them not just a hobby but a vital part of his life. With a wedding planned for the summer, he was in the process of constructing his new home right behind his parents’, laying the foundations for a bright future with his soon-to-be family. Samer was the kind of guy who was all about work, making a living, and cherishing the end of the day when he could return home. Motorcycles were his go-to escape; he'd seize any chance he got to hit the road on two wheels. Always eager to lend a hand, Samer's presence was marked by his bright, warm smile.

Samer’s dreams came to an abrupt halt on October 7, amid a murderous assault by Hamas terrorists on southern Israeli communities. This devastating event led to the tragic deaths of around 1,200 people, and the capture of over 250 hostages.

Disguised in IDF uniforms, the terrorists turned the hatchery into a stronghold, abducting Samer using his car for escape. The car was later found, containing RPG remnants and bloodstains, in a secure zone of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza Strip, a facility exploited by Hamas terror organization.
A distressing image of Samer circulated by Hamas showed him being paraded through Gaza’s streets, under armed Hamas surveillance, guarded from the fury of local Palestinians.
Fouad Al-Talalka expressed his deep anguish and longing for his son's return. He shared his heart-wrenching experience of closing his eyes and imagining Samer's desperate pleas.
The insight into Samer's captivity came mainly from a Thai hostage released later, recounting the ordeal alongside Samer, Yotam Haim, and Alon “Lulu” Shamriz. He testified that Samer helped his fellow hostages and translated for them. In addition, he described their struggle in the tunnels of ‘Lower Gaza’.

After 70 days in captivity, on December 15, Samer Fouad Al-Talalka’s life was tragically cut short at the young age of 22. He became a victim of a grave misidentification by the IDF, which mistakenly perceived him and two other Israeli hostages, Alon “Lulu” Shamriz and Yotam Haim, as terrorists. This fatal error occurred after a fierce battle that resulted in the neutralization of the kidnappers, albeit too late for Alon, Yotam and Samer, who had bravely attempted to signal for help. They had hung signs around the building in Shuja'iyya where they sought refuge, using spices to write "S.O.S" and "Help - 3 kidnapped"(הצילו 3 חטופים).
A subsequent IDF investigation uncovered the tragic circumstances of Samer’s final moments, revealing a story of bravery, desperation, and profound loss. This terrible event, ending in the startling identification of the three Israeli hostages, Samer among them, left their families, friends and an entire nation utterly devastated.
In the wake of the disaster, a call to action was made by the Al-Talalka family towards the government, urging an immediate negotiation for the return of all hostages, emphasizing the urgency and the unbearable suspense families are left in without communication.

Honor the memory of Samer
Samer was kidnapped by Hamas, and later his family was informed that he was tragically killed.
Write a message of support to his family