In central Tel Aviv, the Hostages Families Forum, a grassroots activist group formed after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks, has become a powerful voice for Israelis taken hostage in Gaza. Of the 251 hostages captured, 168 have been brought back alive, eight were rescued, and one deceased hostage remains unreturned. The forum’s base in Hostages Square is winding down operations as many hostages return. The families continue weekly gatherings, lighting candles and remembering those still missing. Hostage families initially met in an underground car park, shocked and desperate for answers. The forum, with the slogan “Bring them home now,” quickly grew with over 10,000 volunteers including diplomats, lawyers, and security officials. Relying on donations, they set up offices and coordinated lobbying efforts in Israel and abroad. Following a Qatar-mediated truce in November 2023, some hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but fighting soon resumed. In early 2024, as public opinion shifted toward defeating Hamas over hostage negotiations, the forum hired political strategist Lior Chorev to maintain public support for prisoner exchanges. The group organized weekly demonstrations and art events, keeping the hostage issue in the spotlight. They worked closely with media and diplomats. Members like Michael Levy traveled internationally to campaign hard, using every chance to speak out. Despite political tensions with the Israeli government and hardships, including arrests during protests abroad, the forum stayed united and hopeful. Hostage deaths and violent clashes sparked protests in Israel, but public support grew for negotiation deals. In 2025, the forum intensified efforts in the US, bypassing Israel’s government to influence the new administration. A truce led by the US and regional mediators resulted in multiple hostage releases in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Although hostilities resumed after March 2025, the forum’s relentless push helped secure the release of most captured Israelis by October 2025. Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the outcome, saying, “We will bring Ran back, just as we brought back 254 out of our 255 abductees.” The forum continues to support families of the remaining captive and deceased hostages. The hostage crisis remains a deep scar on Israeli society, but the families' message of endurance and solidarity remains strong, inspiring many across the world.