LATRUN (VINnews) – Former hostages Nimrod Cohen and Matan Angrest, who served in the IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade, joined a ceremony on Friday marking the completion of training for new Armored Corps recruits.

The soldiers concluded a march to Yad Lashiryon, the Armored Corps Memorial Site and Museum near Latrun, where they received the corps’ signature black beret.

At the event’s conclusion, Cohen and Angrest, alongside Chief Armored Officer Brig. Gen. Ohad Maor, presented certificates of excellence to outstanding trainees.

“This occasion is the fulfillment of the commandment of every soldier and commander in the IDF: no one is left behind,” Maor said during the ceremony.

“Matan and Nimrod, we are very moved that you are here. We waited for this moment. A big embrace from us,” he added.

Cohen and Angrest were abducted from their tanks by Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in southern Israel. Members of their tank crews were killed, and their bodies were taken to Gaza.

Both have expressed a desire to return to military service.

The emotional appearance by the two former hostages accentuate themes of resilience and solidarity within the IDF’s Armored Corps.