Ran Gvili's Parents Eulogize Him, Netanyahu and Herzog in Attendance

Two days after his body was retrieved from Hamas captivity and returned to Israel, Master Sergeant Ran Gvili was laid to rest today (Wednesday) in a somber ceremony attended by the nation’s highest leadership and a grieving public.

Ran Gvili was the last fallen soldier whose body remained in Gaza to be returned during this week's operation. The funeral was marked by the presence of President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who both paid tribute to Gvili's bravery and sacrifice.

His mother, Talik Gvili, delivered a heart-wrenching eulogy, reflecting on her son's character and his commitment to national unity.

"The first to go out, the last to return," she said. "Every time a tear appears, I remember you. You made me a proud mother. The whole world knows you."

She shared a poignant memory of Ran returning from a protest where he had been spat upon, recalling how he asked her, "Mom, what don’t they understand? That we are on the same side?" Since then, she noted, she has made it her mission to tell everyone that Israel is one people. She concluded with a plea: "Ran, ask the angels to send strength to all of Israel; we need to eliminate Hamas and all the terrorists."

His father, Itzik Gvili, expressed immense pride through his grief, noting the profound impact his son had on the country.

"To see everyone here standing before you, what you did, what you saved, and how you united us, it is not taken for granted," he said. "You are the child of everyone. I am so proud to be your father. I miss you every second and every minute."

He added a note of closure regarding the condition of his son's return, stating, "You returned to us with a completely whole body."

The ceremony serves as a significant moment of closure for the Gvili family and the nation, as they honor a soldier who fought until the very end on October 7 and whose return marks the end of a long, painful chapter for his unit and loved ones.