Parents of final Israeli hostage to visit Australia

The parents of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage whose body was returned from Gaza, will visit Australia this week to comfort the Jewish community following the Bondi Beach terror attack.

Itzik and Talik Gvili will speak at memorial events in Melbourne on February 22 and Sydney on February 25, organised by charity Hayeladim Shelanu, which supports bereaved families.

Speaking ahead of their visit, the Gvilis said they felt they understood the pain of Australian Jewry after the December 14 attack.

“Our son was killed because he was a Jew, and the attack in Bondi was against our people too,” they said. “We are a small people, but one big family — and that is why this is the first community we are coming to visit.”

Ran Gvili’s remains were returned to Israel completely intact, still wearing his clothing and boots from the day he was taken hostage.

“The feeling of Ran coming home was mixed. On one hand, it was deep pain. On the other, it was great pride — and a heavy weight was lifted from our hearts,” the Gvilis said.

When asked about the grieving process, they said: “The mourning is very difficult. But at the same time, as my eldest son Omri says, the pride is stronger than the pain.”

The couple’s message to Australians was one of resilience and gratitude.

“Stay strong — and thank you for your support. Please continue standing with Israel, because Israel is the only Jewish homeland we have,” they said.

“We cannot be weak, or we will not be able to survive in our country.”

Joseph Waks, representing Hayeladim Shelanu and a close friend of the Gvilis, said the couple had travelled across Israel and beyond over the past two and a half years to unite and inspire people.

“Meeting them in person is powerful — it connects people directly to Ran’s story, and strengthens the community,” Waks said.