For the first time in 12 years, there are no Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.

Today, Jewish Federations of North America send our love and deepest condolences to the family of Police St. Sgt. Ran Gvili — one of the first taken hostage by Hamas on October 7th, 843 days ago, and the last to be recovered. He died protecting his country and saving lives. His willingness to fight for his community and sacrifice on behalf of the Jewish people are the very definition of heroism.

Jewish Federations also express profound gratitude to the IDF and to all those who persevered in bringing home each of the 251 hostages, as well as to the leadership in both Israel and the United States who were involved in these efforts. Because of their work, there are no longer any Israeli hostages being held in Gaza for the first time since 2014.

The return of Ran Gvili closes one of the most painful chapters in Jewish history in our lifetime — even as we continue to mourn, remember, and honor all those who were lost.