FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2026
Below please find a statement from Tyler Gregory, CEO of JCRC Bay Area, in response to the announcement that remains of the final Israeli hostage have returned from Gaza:
“The return today of Ran Gvili’s body marks a solemn and bittersweet ending; all hostages taken by Hamas, both survivors and the deceased, have now been reunited with their loved ones. Gvili, an Israeli police officer, is reported to have helped about 100 people escape the Nova music festival before later being killed defending civilians at Kibbutz Alumim. His courage reflects both the extraordinary heroism and the unbearable losses of October 7, 2023.
“Since October 7th, the Bay Area Jewish community has lived in anguish over the mass murder of Israelis, the trauma of the hostage crisis, and the devastating war that followed. Although a major objective of the current ceasefire agreement – the return of all hostages – has been fulfilled, the future is filled with unknowns.
“JCRC’s positions, held since 2023, center the protection of civilian life and uphold human dignity: Hamas cannot retain the capacity to repeat the October 7 attacks, critical humanitarian aid must be continue to be provided to Gazans as they begin to rebuild, and Israel must exercise restraint and precision to minimize civilian casualties as Hamas continues to use Gazans as human shields.”
About JCRC:
JCRC Bay Area is the largest collective voice of Bay Area Jews, working in pursuit of a more just world where Jewish identity is embraced and all people thrive. By building bridges and working in coalition with diverse ethnic, faith, political, and civic communities, we foster partnerships, provide meaningful educational and engagement opportunities, and build consensus for actionable solutions to real-world challenges. www.jcrc.org.
