"We are the parents of Hersh," Jon began, going on to recount the ongoing battle to bring back the hostages and the unfruitful attempts to reach a hostage deal. "We fought for their return." Following Jon's statements, Rachel began by stating, "We are the members of loss and bereavement. We don't want anyone else to join our community of tragedy and pain." Alon Gat, brother of the late Carmel Gat, who was held in Hamas captivity with Hersh until their murder, also spoke at the event. He was followed by Meirav Svirsky, sister of the late Itay Svirsky and daughter of Rafi and Orit Svirsky. Rafi and Orit were killed on October 7, 2023, during the Hamas-led cross-border attacks in southern Israel. Svirsky then recounted the suffering the hostage families have endured for months, adding that "yesterday, our hearts shattered again," in reference to the discovery of al-Ziyadne's body.