Elhai Refua, Hadar Goldin’s close friend, declares Israel’s 2014 war unfinished until Hadar’s body is returned from Hamas captivity.
Eleven years after Operation Protective Edge, Elhai Refua, the closest friend of fallen IDF officer Lt. Hadar Goldin, says the mission that began in Gaza in 2014 remains incomplete — because Hadar has not yet been brought home.
“Operation Protective Edge began 11 years ago and must end now—with Hadar’s return,” Refua told Arutz Sheva – Israel National News. “Until then, it cannot be considered over.”
Refua vividly recalls the devastating moment he was informed that Hadar had been abducted by Hamas during a humanitarian ceasefire. Since then, he and the Goldin family have waged a relentless, faith-driven campaign for his return. Their pain, he says, is compounded by public misunderstanding — particularly following the symbolic funeral that was held without Hadar’s body.
“People said, ‘I don’t understand—there was a funeral, what do you want?’” Refua explained. “They didn’t realize it was symbolic. The consequences of that misunderstanding were very painful for the family.”
Refua condemned Hamas’ ongoing cruelty, which he described as “playing with the body of an IDF soldier for 11 years.” He stressed that Israel has a moral and national duty to bring Hadar and all its soldiers home, declaring, “Hamas is holding him hostage in death, continuing its war on humanity.”
Since Hadar’s death, Refua’s friendship with the Goldin family, especially Hadar’s brother Tzur, has deepened into a shared mission. Together, they continue to campaign for his return, drawing inspiration from Hadar’s legacy of strength, humility, and quiet leadership.
“Hadar wasn’t only my friend,” Refua said. “He was also my teacher — a gentle, creative soul who led by example.”
A composer himself, Refua has written a moving melody in Hadar’s honor, titled “Strength and Humility.” He says he will only release it publicly when Hadar finally comes home to rest in Israeli soil.
“With God’s help,” he said softly, “this is the time to bring Hadar home—and the time to let his song be heard.”
