Press Release
January 27, 2026
Contact: Sarah Stern
(202) 601-7422
[email protected]
They Are Finally All Home
On Monday afternoon, January 26, 2026, at 2 p.m., the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) uncovered the remains of Sergeant-Major Ran Gvili, one of the first victims of the tragic events of October 7, 2023. This discovery holds profound significance for Jews around the world and for every Israeli.
Sergeant-Major Ran Gvili was recognized as a courageous warrior. On that fateful morning, he was not scheduled to be on duty due to a shoulder injury and was meant to be on medical leave. Nevertheless, upon learning of the brutal attacks, he immediately responded and rushed to Kibbutz Alumim. There, he led a courageous fight against seven terrorists, exemplifying his dedication and bravery.
With the recovery of all 251 hostages, both those alive and those who perished, the nation can finally find a measure of closure. The yellow ribbons can now be removed, and the “Bring them Home” signs can come down. Every hostage is now home in Israel, offering solace to many grieving families and the entire nation.
The sense of who Ran was is best described by his mother, Hannah, who described her son as “a meek and modest person” who would secretly purchase equipment for his fellow soldiers who couldn’t afford it, never wanted to take credit for his kindness. Saying, "I keep thinking about what was taken from us, taken from you... and on us—that we will have to spend a whole life without you. A whole life without the ray of light we had. But then I remember everything you provided for your short life and I smile and say thank you for every moment you didn't stop to rest."
His mother also spoke of the need for unity, emphasizing that October 7^th was a shared, collective experience. She stated: “October 7^th happened to all of us” that Israelis should stop defining themselves by political labels, “for we are all one people.”
Following Ran’s return, there has been a moment of healing throughout the nation. Yellow pins have been taken off in beautiful, symbolic ceremonies. IDF troops throughout Gaza broke out in ecstacy at the delivery of the body, singing together “Ani Ma’amin”, (I believe), some crying over the closure of this painful chapter in our history.
Ran’s mother then said, “We have become one family. Every hostage who came home brought us some relief.”
The mission to return all hostages is finally complete. January 26, 2026, stands as a moral victory for the state of Israel and the Jewish people. It is the hope of all that there will be no more missing bodies, nor a return to the unimaginable horrors witnessed on October 7th, including death, pillage, rape, burning, and destruction.
During this painful chapter, 251 bodies had been trapped in the terror tunnels or buried beneath Gaza, and the suffering endured by their families has been immense. While this event may bring some closure, the loss remains staggering, with many soldiers fallen and numerous families left without fathers, sons, or brothers. It is a tremendous burden for such a small and resilient people to bear.
Gratitude is extended to President Donald Trump for his assistance throughout this difficult process. While the return of the hostages marks a significant achievement, however, the task of dismantling and disarming Hamas still remains.
The long journey toward lasting peace and security continues.
Sarah Stern is the Founder and President of EMET, a think tank on Middle Eastern issues located in Washington, DC.
Donate to EMET ([link removed])
Logo
Copyright © 2026 Endowment for Middle East Truth, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website or events.
Our mailing address is:
Endowment for Middle East Truth
P.O. Box 66366
Washington, DC 20035
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can
update your preferences ([link removed]) or unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
[link removed]
