The family of slain hostage Ran Gvili has called for Tel Aviv’s weekly rallies demanding the release of the remaining captives in Gaza to be moved from Saturday nights to Fridays, ahead of Shabbat services at Hostage Square, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
The family announced that they hope the shift will mark a new phase in their campaign, as they continue to fight for the return of the last two hostages: Ran Gvili, who his family refers to as Rani, and Thai national Sudthisak Sawatdee.
In their statement, the family said the time has come to adjust the public demonstrations that have taken place regularly for nearly two years.
“Now, the rallies that have been with us for two years will look different,” the family said. “The fight continues, but we’re changing course. Instead of Saturday night rallies, we’ll now gather on Fridays for Kabbalat Shabbat at Hostages Square.”
They added that a final rally of gratitude would eventually be held to thank the public for its unwavering support: “There will come a time for a rally of gratitude, a final gathering to thank the people of Israel for their incredible support throughout this journey. We're calling on the people of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide to keep supporting us in the fight to bring Rani and Sudthisak home.”
In the fuller statement, the Gvili family emphasized that it has been 787 days since Rani was taken into Gaza. On October 7, he had put on his police uniform, left home despite being wounded, and went out to fight and protect civilians.
“Just as Rani would never leave anyone behind, now we must finish what he started,” the family said. “As a nation, we have a duty to make sure Rani and Sudthisak are not forgotten in that hell. We cannot move to the next phase of the deal while even one hostage remains in Gaza.”
The family also appealed directly to mediators - particularly Qatar - insisting that securing the release of the hostages must remain central to all negotiations.
“Hamas has broken the deal from the very beginning,” they said. “Qatar, Hamas’s partner in the October 7th massacre, should not be making excuses to let Hamas off the hook... Rani and Sudthisak are not bargaining chips.”
Rejoiced over return of hostages, family says 'now is Rani's turn'
The Gvili family said they rejoice with the families of the 253 hostages whose fate has been resolved—whether through reunion or burial—while never forgetting the 46 hostages murdered in captivity.
“Now it's Rani's turn. We've waited long enough,” they said. “We're exhausted from waiting, but we won't stop fighting to bring him home.”
They stressed that the struggle to bring home the final two hostages is different from the nationwide effort that sought the return of 255 captives.
“As a family, we know we can't keep fighting this battle the same way,” they said. “We must adjust to this new reality.”
In expressing their deep gratitude, the family thanked the Israeli public for more than two years of steadfast support, including at the most recent Saturday night rally.
Beginning this week, the family is inviting the public to join them every Friday at Hostages Square for Kabbalat Shabbat, dedicated to bringing Rani home.
“Please keep the yellow flags flying. Please keep Rani's posters up,” they said. “This fight isn't over; we’re just changing how we do it.”
They encouraged the public to come learn about Rani, whom they called “our silent guardian,” and to welcome Shabbat together in the spirit he loved.
The family concluded with a hope shared by many Israelis:
“We hope this will all end soon so we can begin to heal, as a family and as a nation.”