Maksim Herkin was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on 7th October, 2023, during the attack on the Nova Festival.
For 738 days, he was held in Gaza, cut off from his family and the outside world. Born in the Donbas region of Ukraine, he was 35-year-old father to a 3-year-old daughter when he was kidnapped, and was the primary provider for his mother and 11-year-old brother.
In this intimate and powerful conversation, Maksim will share his personal story. From the final messages he sent to his family that morning, to the choices he made in captivity to protect his identity, and the resilience that sustained him through nearly two years of uncertainty.
Now free, Maksim will also reflect on what he has carried with him since his return. What it means to rebuild, what has stayed with him, and what he wants this community to hear and understand.
In conversation with Danyelle Neuman, Chief Development Officer at The Jewish Agency for Israel, this will be a deeply moving evening and a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who lived through these events. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and join the conversation.
Maksim Herkin
Maksim Herkin was kidnapped from the Nova Festival desert rave on October 7, 2023, where Hamas terrorists assaulted the party, killing more than 360 and taking at least 40 hostage.
The Tirat Hacarmel resident went to the Nova Festival outdoor party almost by chance, invited by friends at the last minute. It was the first time he had gone to a trance rave. Herkin planned on going to the party for a few hours before heading home.
When the Hamas attack began, Herkin tried to leave. He texted his mother at 7:12 a.m., writing to her that everything was fine and that it would take him a long time to get home to their northern community. A few minutes later, she received another message from Herkin: “Mom, I love you.”
After that, Maksim disappeared into Gaza for the next 738 days.
Danyelle Neuman
Danyelle Neuman is the Chief Development Officer of The Jewish Agency for Israel. In this role, Danyelle oversees the global fundraising of the Jewish Agency. She is responsible for managing the global fundraising staff, building new partnerships, stewarding existing donors, and strengthening the Jewish Agency's role in the world of philanthropy.
Danyelle joined The Jewish Agency in 2012 as Managing Director of Fundraising and Resource Development. In this role, she oversaw the Departments of Mission, VIP Services, Fundraising Strategy, and Donor Relations. In addition, she focused on strengthening lay engagement and creating leadership opportunities. In 2020, she was appointed as Chief of Sales Strategy, overseeing fundraising strategy and messaging.
Danyelle was previously a Senior Director in the Philanthropic Resources Department of Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), serving as the leader of JFNA’s strategy for engaging high-net-worth potential donors. During her ten years at JFNA, Danyelle worked in the Development, Jewish Peoplehood and Identity, and Research Departments. She was one of the primary researchers analyzing and producing data from the 2001–2002 National Jewish Population Study.
Danyelle holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a Bachelor’s degree from Barnard College. Prior to joining JFNA, she worked at Deloitte Consulting and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Operations.
Danyelle, her husband, and their two daughters live in Mevaseret Tzion, Israel.
