Bring Them Home Now

The “Bring Them Home Now” meme and slogan are generally not intended as criticism of the Israeli government. Instead, they primarily represent a heartfelt plea or demand from the families, friends, and supporters of the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The primary objective of this movement is urging swift and decisive action from the Israeli government, as well as international authorities, to prioritize and secure the safe return of hostages still held in Gaza.

While the slogan is not inherently critical, it does reflect an emotional urgency and can, at times, indirectly express frustration or dissatisfaction toward perceived delays, diplomatic complexities, or military strategies that some families fear might endanger the hostages’ safety.

In other words, the slogan primarily serves as an advocacy and awareness tool, aiming to keep global attention on the plight of the hostages, rather than directly critiquing governmental policy. However, individuals or groups within the broader movement may occasionally express frustration or disagreement with certain governmental decisions or military strategies.

As of March 18, 2025, Israeli authorities believe that 24 hostages are still alive and being held by Hamas in Gaza. These include 22 Israelis, one Thai national, and one Nepali national. ​
The total number of individuals still held captive is 59, comprising the 24 believed to be alive and the bodies of 35 others.