October 7: A Day of Tragedy and Resolve
On October 7, 2023, a devastating assault unfolded as numerous Hamas militants breached the border into southern Israel. They targeted various communities, military installations, and music festivals, resulting in horrific violence. People lost their lives. Families were torn apart, and 251 individuals were taken hostage and dragged into Gaza.
This event marked one of the darkest moments for the Jewish community since the Holocaust. Yet, it extended beyond Israel; the casualties included individuals from over 20 different countries.
Less than a day later, the families of the hostages, who were plunged into unimaginable anguish, took it upon themselves to act. They didn’t wait for direction from officials. Instead, they united to form the Hostage/Missing Families Forum, driven by a singular aim: to bring all hostages back home, regardless of their faith or background. Initially, they hoped their mission would be short-lived. Surprisingly, it took 843 days.
In the aftermath, support poured in from various segments of Israeli society and some around the world. Many sought ways to contribute. I found myself entering a building in central Tel Aviv, joining forces with an international media team. Countless others did similarly, including diplomats, former ambassadors, doctors, lawyers, journalists, and academics—people unwilling to remain silent.
During the first few months, we guided foreign journalists to the devastated kibbutz and the site of the Nova festival. Families walked the rubble of their former homes with journalists, transforming what had been a paradise into a landscape of despair.
Additionally, we took hundreds of family members to The Hague, urging the ICC to hold Hamas leaders accountable for their actions. They weren’t seasoned activists; they were ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances, determined to speak up. It represented just one segment of a broader effort that spanned numerous countries.
We were acutely aware of the fast-moving nature of the global news cycle. Our greatest concern was that the situation would fade from headlines while hostages remained in Gaza. So, we fought tirelessly to keep their stories alive worldwide. My family played a crucial role in making that happen.
For over two years, faced with unthinkable trials, family members rose each day as advocates, negotiators, and warriors. They engaged with every news organization, world leader, and official who would listen, sharing their harrowing narratives. For many, this meant reliving trauma repeatedly on camera. Some knew they’d be fighting not just to bring their loved ones home but also for burial. Through it all, they persevered.
Even as hostages began to return, they forged ahead, still battling the aftermath of their horrific ordeal. Collaborating with families whose loved ones remained captive, they met with influential leaders and presented their pleas at the United Nations. They understood that genuine healing couldn’t commence until all hostages were safely back.
Through these efforts, the resounding call of “bring them home” echoed worldwide. And it certainly was heard.
The forum evolved beyond initial expectations. What began as a gathering for families turned into a center for advocacy and support. It provided essential personal, medical, legal, and emotional aid, transforming them into a tight-knit community that offered solace during their darkest hours. The operation ran continuously, organizing hundreds of delegations with family members and survivors to engage with global leaders.
This scenario epitomized the largest civil crisis in Israel’s history. On Day 843, the final hostage, Ran Gviri, returned. The forum accomplished its mission.
It was astonishing, but this wasn’t exactly a happy ending.
Among the hostages brought home, 87 were returned only for burial. Tragically, 46 men and women captured alive died in custody. After years of struggle, families received coffins rather than their loved ones. Survivors now face wounds that may never completely heal.
For these families and for many Jews, it still feels like October 7th. The date has changed, yes. But the emotions don’t shift that easily. While there are no longer any hostages in Gaza, there’s no sense of triumph, only exhaustion and sorrow for what can never be reclaimed.
The fight isn’t over. Not for those who survived, not for families, and certainly not for the people of Israel.
The world must always remember what transpired on October 7 and the impactful response from these families. How they transformed profound grief into a powerful, unwavering call for humanity is something that should endure.
“Bring them home” was never a mere slogan. It was a commitment. And we fulfilled it, together.
