Former SodaStream CEO offers Gazans $100,000 reward for releasing Israeli hostages

Former SodaStream CEO Daniel Birnbaum recently announced a personal initiative to help secure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. 

In a video posted online, Birnbaum announced that he would pay $100,000 out of his own pocket to any Palestinian who helps free Israeli hostages. 

Birnbaum said he was partially inspired to act after learning that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had offered immunity and free passage out of Gaza to anyone who freed the hostages. 

On Thursday evening, after announcing the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Netanyahu called for Hamas fighters to lay down their arms and release the remaining hostages. 

“Israel is committed to doing everything in our power to bring all of them home,” Netanyahu said regarding the hostages. “And Israel will guarantee the safety of all those who return our hostages.” 

In his video, addressed to “the good people in Gaza,” Birnbaum calls the previous year “a terrible year,” saying that “it’s time to wrap things up.” 

“A few days ago, Benjamin Netanyahu offered free passage and immunity to anyone who delivers an Israeli prisoner to Israel,” Birnbaum stated. “I would like to add to that a financial reward.” 

“Anyone who delivers from Gaza a living Israeli prisoner will receive $100,000 that will be paid either by cash or by Bitcoin,” Birnbaum continued. “Don’t wait, this offer is valid until Wednesday midnight, Oct. 24.” 

Birnbaum ended his video address by sharing a phone number for those wanting to take advantage of the offer to contact via Telegram or WhatsApp, promising confidentiality and to “make the appropriate connections” to ensure free passage and reward money. 

🚨JUST IN : The former CEO of Sodastream, Daniel Birnbaum, in an offer to the Gazans: 100 thousand dollars in cash or bitcoin for each live abductee. pic.twitter.com/mbfCB0PSRe

— Eli Afriat 🇮🇱🎗 (@EliAfriatISR) October 19, 2024

The announcement also apparently coincided with the IDF's distribution of leaflets in Gaza that read: “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza” and promised safety for members of Hamas who surrender and release hostages. 

“Sinwar destroyed your lives. He hid in a dark lair and was killed when he fled in panic. You have a chance to free yourself from the tyranny of Hamas. Whoever lays down their weapons and returns the hostages to us - we will allow them to leave and live in peace,” the flyer stated in Arabic. 

Since releasing the video, Birnbaum told N12 that he has received several responses. While most have contained threats or inappropriate messages, several appear to be relevant. He said officials are following up on those messages. 

“For the first time there is money on the table for the release of hostages,” Birnbaum told N12. 

“It’s time for you to take control of your life, to build a future for yourself, for your family, and for your community,” Birnbaum concluded in his video statement.