In a deeply emotional ceremony on February 26, 2025, Yarden Bibas delivered a heartfelt eulogy for his wife, Shiri, and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir. The family had been abducted by Hamas terrorists during the October 7, 2023, attack on their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz and were tragically killed while in captivity. Their bodies were returned to Israel as part of a ceasefire agreement, bringing an end to months of agony for their loved ones.
Addressing his late wife, Yarden expressed profound sorrow: “Shiri, this is the closest I’ve been to you since October 7th, and I can’t kiss or hug you, and it’s breaking me.” He recalled their final moments together, noting Shiri’s resolve to resist their captors: “In the safe room, I asked if we should ‘fight or surrender.’ You said fight, so I fought. Shiri, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you all.”
Turning to his four-year-old son, Ariel, Yarden reminisced about the joy he brought into their lives: “You transformed us into a family. You taught me what truly matters in life and about responsibility.” He expressed hope that Ariel is at peace, imagining him “making all the angels laugh with your silly jokes and impressions.”
For his youngest, Kfir, who was just eight months old at the time of the abduction, Yarden shared memories of his infectious laughter and the happiness he added to their family: “I didn’t think our family could be more perfect, and then you came and made it even more perfect.” He lamented the loss of their morning routines and cherished moments.
The funeral procession saw thousands of Israelis lining the streets, many wearing orange to honor the redheaded Bibas brothers. Mourners stood in silence, some holding Israeli flags, as the caskets passed. Shiri and her sons were laid to rest together in a single casket at Tzohar cemetery in southern Israel, symbolizing their inseparable bond.
Israeli leaders and international officials condemned the brutal attack that led to their deaths, renewing calls for the safe return of all remaining hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to bringing every captive home, stating that “Hamas will be held accountable for every innocent life lost.”
The Bibas family’s story has deeply affected the nation, highlighting the profound personal losses resulting from ongoing conflicts and the enduring impact on families and communities.
