Yair Yaakov

Gender: Male

Age when taken: 59

Citizenship: Israel

Occupation: Garageman, Auto-Shop worker

Hostage status: Still Captive, Confirmed Deceased

More about Yair:

Known by the nickname “Yaya”
A father of 3 children, including daughter Shir, 21 and sons Or, 17, and Yagil, 13
Kidnapped along with his partner, Meirav Tal, 53
A family man with a huge heart
The oldest of his siblings

Related hostages: Meirav Tal, girlfriend (Redeemed/Alive), Yagil Yaakov, son (Redeemed/Alive), Or Yaakov, son (Redeemed/Alive)

Primary Sources:

Israel National News, Released hostage eulogizes father: 'If only I could switch places with you', Feb 16, 2024
Times of Israel, Kibbutz says hostage Yair Yaakov was killed on October 7, body held in Gaza, Feb 15, 2024
Ynet, Death of Gaza hostage abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz announced, Feb 15, 2024
MSNBC, 'We want him back yesterday': Family of man held by Hamas fights for his release, Dec 26, 2023
i24 News, The Yaakov family struggle for the release of Yair, Dec 24, 2023
ABC 10, Sacramento man seeks release of cousin's family taken hostage by Hamas, Oct 23, 2023
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Swords of Iron: Civilian Casualties, Mar 28, 2024

Secondary Sources:

Date Last Updated: April 1st, 2024