The family of Ran Gvili, the last identified Israeli hostage whose remains were recovered from Gaza, paid tribute to his bravery during a poignant ceremony on Monday. Gvili, aged 24, was killed while defending his community during the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, despite being advised to remain at home due to a broken collarbone.
At the emotional event, Gvili’s father, Itzik Gvili, expressed both grief and pride as he addressed his son’s coffin. “You dummy, you had every chance to stay at home,” he said, reflecting on Gvili’s decision to join the fight. “But you said, ‘Dad. I won’t leave my friends to fight alone.’” This sentiment encapsulated Gvili’s commitment to his fellow citizens during a time of crisis.
Gvili was a member of the Israeli Police Special Forces and had been recovering from his injury when Hamas launched its assault. Despite his condition, he rushed to protect residents of the nearby Kibbutz Alumim, where he sustained serious injuries. According to Israeli officials, he died en route to Gaza.
The ceremony marked 843 days since Gvili’s death and the subsequent recovery of his body. Itzik Gvili spoke of his son’s legacy, emphasizing the unity that his sacrifice inspired among the people of Israel. “The whole police force is with you, the whole army is with you, the whole nation is with you. I’m proud of you, my son,” he stated as the military procession brought his son home.
Gvili’s mother, Talik Gvili, expressed gratitude to various figures involved in the recovery of her son’s remains, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and envoy Steve Witkoff. “Our pride is much, much stronger than our pain,” she affirmed, highlighting the resilience of the Israeli people.
The return of Gvili’s body followed a meticulous operation by the Israel Defense Forces, which involved exhuming and testing approximately 250 bodies at a cemetery in northern Gaza. The identification was confirmed through dental and fingerprint records, bringing closure to a painful chapter in Israel’s history.
In a statement during the procession, Daniel Levy, Israeli Police Commissioner, recognized Gvili as the embodiment of the force’s values. “We salute you, we respect you, and we apologize that we could not save you and bring you back alive,” he lamented, underscoring the deep loss felt by the community.
Gvili’s funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, where family, friends, and fellow officers will gather to honor his sacrifice and pay their final respects. The national mourning period reflects the collective grief of a country united in memory of a young man who chose duty over self-preservation.
