The families of the six hostages who were murdered in August of 2024 - Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lubanov, Almog Sarusi, and Carmel Gat - issued a statement on Thursday responding to the footage of the six, which was found in the Gaza Strip, and documents them over months in captivity.
“The families of the Beautiful Six (Hersh, Carmel, Ori, Eden, Almog, and Alex) want to thank the people of Israel and the millions around the world who watched the harrowing footage of our loved ones with us. Lighting Hanukkah candles in that dark place captures the essence of the Jewish spirit: light prevailing over darkness,” the families said.
“Hamas filmed these videos as propaganda, but the humanity of the beautiful six shines through this footage. It is stronger than any terrorist organization. These videos bear witness to evil and failure. The entire world must see our loved ones in these moments, their unity, strength, and humanity even in the darkest times. They were taken alive, they survived in captivity, and they should have come home alive,” they added.
“Nothing will bring our loved ones back to life. Only bringing the truth to light, only genuine accountability at the national level, can bring justice and healing to all our hearts.”
“Our families want to remind everyone that the mission isn't over. We're calling for the immediate return of hero Rani Gvili, the shield of Kibbutz Alumim. And we're calling on every family in Israel: when you gather to light Hanukkah candles, remember our loved ones and all the families of soldiers, the wounded, the hostages, the murdered, and the fallen who will never light candles together again, families who have been waiting nearly 800 days for answers,” the statement concluded.
The footage which was released on Thursday showed the six hostages praying, singing, and some even breaking down in tears. In the background, one of them is heard saying, “An emotional Hanukkah, huh?”
In another recording, one of the female hostages says, “Make a wish, friends. Candles are the time.” Another hostage replies, “It’s always good to make wishes.”
When one reflects aloud on a wish from the past year and asks, “Did it come true? A year has already passed,” she answers, “Yes, it came true.” He responds, “May all your wishes come true for good.”
The footage also includes other emotional moments, such as the hostages asking a terrorist to light a candle for them while explaining the halakhic rule that Hanukkah candles themselves may not be used for lighting. In another moment, they are seen eating a sufganiyah and joking, “A Roladin sufganiyah.”