Israel mourns as thousands say goodbye to Bibas mother and toddlers

Tears and sorrow filled the air as Israel bid a heartbreaking farewell to Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel (4) and Kfir (9 months old), at a funeral in southern Israel’s Zohar. The three were kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack and later killed in Gaza.

Their father, Yarden Bibas, who was also taken hostage but later released, stood before their graves, overcome with grief. “Shiri, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you all,” he said in his emotional eulogy.

A Symbol of the Hostages’ Ordeal

The Bibas family had become a powerful symbol in Israel. Images of Shiri clutching her terrified children as Hamas gunmen surrounded them were widely shared on social media, highlighting the horror of that day.

To honor their memory, orange balloons—symbolizing the children’s red hair—fluttered in the wind near Kibbutz Nir Oz, where the family was taken. Signs reading “Sorry” and “A broken heart with the Bibas family” were placed nearby.

Mourning and Anger

Mourners gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, wearing orange and carrying Israeli flags, watching the funeral live. Many wept openly.

Shiri’s sister-in-law, Ofri Bibas, criticized Israeli officials, saying they had a chance to save the hostages but chose revenge instead. “There is no meaning to forgiveness before the failures are investigated,” she declared.

A Nation in Tears

The funeral procession made its way through Rishon LeZion, where the bodies were prepared for burial. Thousands of Israelis lined the streets, lighting candles and holding signs in remembrance. The national anthem played softly as the convoy passed.

“The Bibas family represents everything that happened to us since October 7,” said 72-year-old retired teacher Ayala Schlesinger Avidov, speaking through tears.

“The Bibas family is in all of our hearts,” added Aviv Nahman, 22. “I have a sister and nephews the same ages as Ariel and Kfir. I had to be here.”

Controversy Over the Return of Their Remains

Hamas handed over Shiri and her children’s bodies on February 20, 2025, as part of a ceasefire deal. However, outrage erupted when Israel first received an anonymous body instead of Shiri’s. Hamas later admitted a “mix-up” and delivered the correct remains.

The militant group claims an Israeli airstrike killed the Bibas family, but an Israeli post-mortem found no evidence of blast injuries.

As the graves were covered with orange, yellow, and white flowers, the country grieved—mourning not just a family, but a devastating loss felt across the nation.