The Israel Police on Wednesday hosted the family of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last deceased hostage held in Gaza, for an official Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levi recounted the bravery of officer Gvili before he fell in battle on Oct. 7, 2023, fighting dozens of terrorists who invaded southern Israel.
“Ran did not hesitate. He left his home, even though he was injured, fought with courage and saved many lives. And today, we pray together for his return,” Levi said.
He also extended his warm embrace to Israel’s bereaved families, wished a speedy recovery to the wounded, and expressed hope that the candles lit would bring “the light of hope, unity and security to all the people of Israel. May the light triumph over darkness always.”
"רן לא היסס לרגע, הוא יצא מביתו בעודו פצוע ונלחם בגבורה. היום, אנו נושאים תפילה משותפת לשובו" - המפכ"ל רנ"צ דני לוי
— משטרת ישראל (@IL_police) December 17, 2025
נר רביעי של חנוכה בכותל עם הוריו של רס"ר רני גואילי pic.twitter.com/nMKEbQ4ZfE
Gvili, a 24-year-old Israel Police Special Patrol Unit (Yasam) officer from Meitar, near Beersheva, fought on Oct. 7, 2023. When the massacre began, he left his home to engage the attackers. About 10 days earlier, he had broken his shoulder, and he was awaiting surgery.
During the battle near Kibbutz Alumim, he rescued about 100 people who had fled the Supernova music festival and killed 14 Hamas terrorists before he was abducted to the Gaza Strip.
