‘All the Laughter Is Gone’: Israel Buries Final Hostage Ran Gvili

by | Jan 29, 2026 | News

lighted candles on black metal candle holder

Israel laid to rest Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, 24, on Wednesday in his hometown of Meitar, marking the burial of the final hostage returned from Hamas captivity following the October 7 attacks.

Hundreds of Israelis lined the roads waving flags as Gvili’s funeral procession passed. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and the country’s chief rabbis — the first hostage funeral to draw such high-level attendance.

Gvili, an elite Yasam police unit officer, was killed while battling Hamas terrorists near Kibbutz Alumim on October 7, after racing to the front lines despite awaiting surgery for a broken shoulder. His remains were recovered from Gaza earlier this week, more than two years after his death.

His mother, Talik Gvili, spoke with pride and defiance, calling her son a hero and warning Israel’s enemies that they would be defeated. His sister, Shira, delivered an emotional eulogy, describing the everyday moments forever changed by his absence. “All the laughter is gone,” she said.

Gvili’s father, Itzik, described the painful but meaningful moment of finally being able to touch his son’s body after more than two years.

President Herzog urged national healing, while Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to dismantling Hamas. Religious leaders compared Gvili’s sacrifice to historic acts of Jewish heroism.

The funeral concluded with singer Idan Amedi performing “Nigmar” (“It’s Over”), as thousands stood in silence, saluting a fallen hero whose return brought painful closure to a grieving nation.

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