Hostage Deal

25 ViZionaries: Ophyr Hanan - No. 7

Helped establish the Bring Them Home Now Hostages Forum, a global movement advocating for the release of the hostages

 Ophyr Hanan
Freed hostage Evyatar David arrives at his home in Kfar Saba, October 26, 2025.

Former Gaza hostage Evyatar David launches crowdfunding campaign to support recovery

The new sign, officially renaming the plaza to Hostages Square.

Almost three years after Oct. 7, 'Hostages Square' becomes official name of Tel Aviv Museum plaza

A photograph from the ‘Seeing Home’ exhibition at Kibbutz Nirim.

Nirim is thriving, but Oct. 7 still haunts its present – opinion


'Beaten brutally in Gaza': Mother of ex-hostage Elkana Bohbot shares story of son's captivity

For Ruchama Bohbot, her son Elkana’s return is both a miracle and a reminder of the pain still felt by families waiting for their loved ones to come home.

Former Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot reacts as he returns home after leaving the hospital, following his release from captivity in Gaza, in Mevaseret Zion, Israel, October 19, 2025.

Freed hostages enjoy secret, late-night private shopping trip at Ayalon Mall

"All workers and anyone present were required to maintain confidentiality," an individual present during the visit told N12 News. "The entire visit was kept under wraps to respect their privacy."

A general view of Ayalon Mall in Bnei-Brak.

WATCH: Vance ‘optimistic’ Gaza peace will hold, says US won’t force Israel to host foreign troops

Special Envoy Kushner stated that Israel and Hamas are transitioning to a peacetime posture.

US Vice President JD Vance speaks to members of the media in Kiryat Gat, Israel, October 21, 2025.

After the hostage release: The world must remember what it knew - opinion

The hostages’ return is a moment of grace, but only conscience can heal the world.

THE WRITER addresses an Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation event in New York earlier this year, marking 25 years of the foundation. He condemns those who equate Gaza’s suffering with the Holocaust, weaponizing Jewish trauma to vilify Israel.

Equating Palestinian prisoners, Israeli hostages: The necessity of having a moral compass - opinion

In truth, it doesn’t take much thought to come to the conclusion that violence, as a means to accomplish one’s personal aspirations, is always wrong and always evil.

People attend a protest at “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv, calling for the release of Israelis held by Hamas, October 18, 2025.

The Diaspora is linked to Israel’s destiny - opinion

This Diaspora Jewish connection to Israel is deeper than we are led to believe. 

AVINATAN OR arrives at Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus after his release from captivity in Gaza last week. The October 7 massacre created a sense of collective belonging for many, the writer asserts.

Trump’s success in securing hostage releases is a victory for all who cherish peace - opinion

History will remember this as the moment the hostages came home and the day President Trump once again proved that the US leads best when it leads with strength, conviction, and the blessing of God.

OMRI MIRAN speaks to members of the media as he returns home to Kibbutz Kramim upon his discharge from Ichilov Hospital after his release from captivity in Gaza last week. Strength, perseverance, and faith can prevail over evil, the writer asserts.

Brother of freed hostage: Eating is difficult after captivity, large portions cause pain

“It’s hard for him to eat a lot; it weighs on his stomach," revealed Gilboa-Dalal's brother.

Released hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal waves the Israeli flag as he arrives to Beilinson hospital, October 13, 2025.

Who was Ronen Engel, the Hamas hostage kidnapped and killed on October 7? - explainer

Engel fell while "protecting his family and fighting terrorists" during the October 7 massacre, the kibbutz eulogized.

Ronen Engel, from Kibbutz Nir Oz

Two police officers injured in protests, Ceasfire resumes after Hamas violation kills two soldiers

Netanyahu says Gaza crossings will reopen for aid when Hamas bombing ceases • Maj. Yaniv Kula, St.-Sgt. Itay Yavetz killed in Rafah • Hamas says it located deceased Gaza hostage

Pallbearers carry the coffin of Israeli hostage Tamir Nimrodi, a soldier who, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, was kidnapped alive from his military base during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. October 16, 2025.