The family said they hope the shift will mark a new phase in their campaign as they continue to fight for the return of the final two hostages.
The family of murdered hostage Rana Gwili has made an appeal Weekly rallies in Tel Aviv demanding the release of the remaining prisoners in the Gaza Strip. moved from Saturday evening to Fridaybefore Saturday's service at Hostage Square, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
The family said they hope the shift will mark a new stage in their campaign as they continue to fight for the return of the last two hostages: Ran Gwiliwhom his family calls Rani, and Thai national Sudtishak Savatdi.
In a statement, the family said it was time to end the public demonstrations that have been taking place regularly for nearly two years.
“Now the rallies that have been with us for two years will look different,” the family said. “The fight continues, but we are changing course. Instead of Saturday evening rallies, we will now gather on Fridays for Kabbalat Shabbat in Hostage Square.”
They added that there will eventually be a final gratitude rally to thank the public for their unwavering support: “The time will come for a gratitude rally, a final gathering to thank the people of Israel for their incredible support throughout this journey. We call on the people of Israel and Jewish communities around the world to continue to support us in the fight to bring Rani and Sudtisak home.”
Itzik Gwili, father of slain Gaza hostage Sergeant Major. Ran Gwili speaks at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, November 29, 2025 (Photo: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)
In a more detailed statement, Gwili's family stressed that 787 days have passed since Rani was brought to Gaza. On October 7, he put on a police uniform, left the house, despite being wounded, and went to fight and protect civilians.
“Just like Rani would never leave anyone behind, now we must finish what he started,” the family said. “As a nation, we have a responsibility to ensure that Rani and Sudtishak are not forgotten in this hell. We cannot move to the next stage of the deal while at least one hostage remains in Gaza.”
The family also reached out directly to mediators, particularly Qatar, insisting that securing the hostages' release must remain a central issue in all negotiations.
“Hamas violated the agreement from the very beginning,” they said. “Qatar, Hamas's partner in the October 7 massacre, should not make excuses to absolve Hamas of responsibility… Rani and Sudtisak are not bargaining chips.”
The family rejoices at the return of the hostages and says, “Now it’s Rani’s turn.”
Gwili's family said they rejoice with the families of the 253 hostages whose fate has been sealed (through reunion or funeral), but never forget the 46 hostages killed in captivity.
“Now it's Rani's turn. We have waited long enough,” they said. “We are tired of waiting, but we will not stop fighting to bring him home.”
They stressed that the fight to bring home the last two hostages is different from the national effort to return 255 captives.
“As a family, we know we cannot continue to fight this battle as usual,” they said. “We must adapt to this new reality.”
Expressing deep gratitude, the family thanked the Israeli public for more than two years of continued support, including at the most recent Saturday evening rally.
Starting this week, the family invites the public to join them every Friday at Hostage Square for Kabbalat Shabbat to celebrate Rani's homecoming.
“Please keep the yellow flags flying. Please keep the Rani banners,” they said. “This battle is not over; we’re just changing how we do it.”
They encouraged the audience to learn about Rani, whom they called “our silent guardian,” and to celebrate Shabbat together in the spirit he loved.
The family concluded by expressing a hope shared by many Israelis:
“We hope this all ends soon so we can begin to heal as a family and as a nation.”
