The parents of deceased hostage Lt. Hadar Goldin issued a statement thanking the military and expressing their joy following his return on Sunday.
Goldin was finally returned after being murdered by Hamas terrorists in Gaza 4,118 days ago.
"The IDF brought Hadar back to his country, not anyone else," his father Simcha said.
"We take these values, that one does not abandon soldiers on the battlefield, because it is a value, and we do not compromise on them. What this war proved is that if you fight for fighters, you succeed," he added.
Israel's victory is in the return of hostages and soldiers to Israel, and "the fighters are the heroes," he concluded.
"We stood here in August, 11 years ago, after they kidnapped Hadar from us, and shouted that we must not leave Gaza without bringing him back," his mother, Leah, recalled.
"It was obvious to us that the State of Israel would not leave soldiers behind, but it took us 11 years to bring him back by security forces," she noted.
We fought for three values: camaraderie, bringing Goldin back to be buried in Israel, and human dignity, she added.
Leah commented that she hoped her son would "continue to be a symbol," adding that she is fighting not only for him and his return, but for all hostages.
The Hostage and Missing Families Forum also issued a statement in honor of Goldin's return.
"Alongside the grief and the understanding that their hearts will never be whole, Hadar’s return provides some measure of comfort to a family that has lived with agonizing uncertainty and doubt for over 11 years," the forum said.
Officials from Israel's military and political echelons also issued statements commemorating the return of Goldin for burial.
"For 11 years, I had a picture of Hadar on my shelf," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated.
"I knew that we would bring them home, we didn't give up on it for a moment," the prime minister added, noting that after the IDF entered Gaza following the October 7 massacre, they "could have done a lot more" to find Goldin.
"I know the agony his family went through, I know the longing for his return that united the entire people of Israel,"
"The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Goldin family and all the families of the fallen hostages," the Prime Minister's Office commented.
Then-IDF head Eisenkot: 'Goldin's return took far too long'
MK Gadi Eisenkot, who was IDF chief of staff at the time of Goldin's murder and capture in 2014, wrote that he salutes Goldin, and that the news that he has come home was "words we all waited for."
However, in Eisenkot's words, Goldin's return "took far too long."
"Over the years, I came to know his brave family, who acted with nobility, dedication, and in the spirit of the IDF ethos, by which they also educated their children," Eisenkot wrote, adding that he salutes and embraces the whole Goldin family.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, and the head of the Casualties Division, Brig.-Gen. Edna Ilya visited the residence of the deceased hostage Lt. Hadar Goldin's family on Saturday, the military announced on Sunday.
Zamir spoke about the efforts undertaken over the past years to bring Goldin back from Gaza, emphasizing the military's commitment to act in order to return all remaining deceased hostages.
"A day of great pain, but also of the closing of a long circle for his family, who never gave up for a moment," Avigdor Liberman, who was the defense minister when Goldin was murdered in 2014, stated.
President Isaac Herzog also eulogized Goldin in English on his X/Twitter.
"After eleven long and painful years, too long, Lt. Hadar Goldin, a hero of Israel, has today been returned to his homeland," Herzog wrote.
"In the eleven years that have passed since he fell in battle and was abducted during Operation Protective Edge, the image of Hadar has stood on my desk in the various positions I held, and his memory has remained etched in my heart throughout," he added.
"The people of Israel embrace Hadar’s family today with deep love and boundless admiration for their unwavering strength and relentless, tireless struggle to bring Hadar home. For the hope that never dimmed, for their dignity, Zionism, and unshakable faith that guided their every step. We will remember and honor beloved Hadar. May his memory be a blessing," Herzog continued.
The president also thanked his counterpart, US President Donald Trump, his administration, and other mediators for their "substantial contribution to the effort that has brought this painful chapter to an end."
"Now, and only now, will Hadar find true rest," opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote, adding that his heart is with the Goldin family.
"An entire nation hoped and prayed for more than 11 years for the moment," former prime minister Naftali Bennett wrote.
"Hadar’s family has waged a determined, persistent, and inspiring struggle to bring Hadar back for proper burial in the land of Israel, which he so loved, for which he fought, and for which he gave his life," for 4,118 days, Bennett commented.
Goldin "will be remembered in the history of Israel as a fighter who became a legend in his life and a symbol in his death," he added, commenting that the "hero of Israel" should rest in peace.
"After more than a decade of anticipation and waiting, Hadar has returned to his eternal rest in a grave in Israel," Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote.
"This is a moment of deep pain, but also of great comfort and closure. The Goldin family will now have a grave to mourn and weep over," he added.
Goldin "gave his life for the people of Israel and embodied supreme heroism in his life and in his death. May the memory of the hero Hadar Goldin be blessed and forever cherished in our hearts," National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote.
"After more than 11 years of being held as a fallen soldier in captivity by the murderous terrorist organization Hamas, Hadar Goldin, of blessed memory, has been returned for burial in Israel," Tourism Minister Haim Katz wrote.
An entire nation has waited for this moment, moved and embracing the family as they bring to eternal rest their most beloved," he added.