Fernando, 60, born in Argentina, single. Immigrated to Israel in the late 1990s. 

Described as a real “handyman” with a passion for wood-working, he is creative with a “golden” touch. Fernando is a caring and loving person. Fernando took care of his ailing father, until his death in 2016, often stepping in for the foreign caregiver on his vacation days. Fernando is always happy to assist with home maintenance for his sisters and nieces. He is a beloved uncle with a “heart of gold.” He works at the furniture store “In & Out” in Ramat Hasharon.

Fernando is very attached to his sisters Clara and Gabriella. The three siblings have a close and loving relationship. They spend as much time as possible with each other and often travel internationally together – last year they toured southern and northern Argentina as a group. 

On Saturday, October 7, 2023, Fernando was hosted by his sister Clara Merman at Kibbutz Nir-Yitzhak. Also staying in the house were Clara’s partner, Louis Herr, Fernando’s sister – Gabriella and his niece Mia (+ her dog Bella). They entered the safe room after the red alert sirens began. Hamas terrorists broke into the house and kidnapped Fernando and everyone in the safe room. They stole Fernando’s car and used it to drive into Gaza.