“I'm tired, but I'm not giving up”: Families of hostages rally at Gaza border

On Sunday, the families of hostages still held captive in the Gaza Strip gathered at the Gaza border in a powerful display of unity, love, and determination, calling for the immediate release of their loved ones. Among the most emotional voices was that of Varda Ben Baruch, grandmother of Edan Alexander, the last known living American citizen held hostage in Gaza, who delivered a heart-wrenching plea to her grandson.

“Edanileh, Grandma is here! I really feel close to you,” she called out toward the Gaza border. “You are a Golani soldier. They received a sign of life from you on Seder night, but everything is not right. Hang in there. We love you, and we are doing everything for your release and for the release of all the hostages.” Her message echoed the shared sentiment of dozens of other families desperately clinging to hope amid nearly 200 days of captivity for the remaining hostages.

Varda, emotional yet resolute, declared, “Grandma doesn’t give up on her grandson! Grandma is strong for her grandson.” She urged for immediate action: “We have to stop the fighting and bring everyone home now.” Her words reflected a growing frustration among families who feel time is running out and that current negotiations have stalled.

Addressing her grandson directly, she said, “Just a little longer and you’ll be home. Mom and Dad, Mika and Roy are waiting for you. Roy celebrated his Bar Mitzvah—you promised to come to the U.S. for it, but instead, you’re still in Hamas captivity. With God’s help, you’ll be back soon to embrace him.”

She ended her message with a traditional Hebrew blessing: “May the Lord bless you and keep you... and give you peace. Amen and Amen.”

Tal Kupershtein, the father of Bar Kupershtein, another hostage, also spoke. “I am speaking here so that you can come back!” he declared. His words were followed by Bar’s cousin, Barak, who shouted, “Bar! Your father is speaking! He is fulfilling your dream—he is starting to walk. We are doing everything you wanted. Be strong a little longer!”

As the conflict continues and negotiations falter, these families are refusing to let their loved ones be forgotten. Their voices, full of anguish and perseverance, serve as a public reminder of the human cost of captivity and the urgency of returning every hostage home.