The funeral for Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, took place on Wednesday in Rishon LeZion, Israel, after their remains were returned by Hamas last week. The tragedy has shaken the nation, with thousands gathering to mourn the young mother and her children, whose lives were cut short in captivity.
The remains were handed over as part of an ongoing exchange between Israel and Hamas. The funeral procession began early in the morning and concluded in the community cemetery of Tzohar, where they were laid to rest together in a single casket. The decision to bury them together reflected the inseparable bond they shared in life. “They will remain together and close, just as Shiri enveloped the children, always, including on that accursed day,” said Carmit Palty Katzir, the funeral’s MC.
Shiri’s husband, Yarden Bibas, who was recently released after nearly 500 days in Hamas captivity, delivered a heart-wrenching eulogy. His grief was palpable as he expressed his deep love for Shiri, recalling their final moments together in the safe room. “Do you remember our last decision together? In the safe room, I asked if we should ‘fight or surrender.’ You said fight, so I fought,” he lamented. “Shiri, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you all.”
A particularly poignant moment came as little Yoav Avital, a close friend of Ariel from Kibbutz Nir Oz, left a drawing on his grave. “I am sad,” he wrote simply. His mother recounted how he had spent months believing his friend would return, even preparing a Batman costume for him. The innocence of his questions, like whether Ariel and Kfir had a kindergarten in Gaza, underscored the profound loss felt by those who had grown up with the Bibas children.
As the nation mourned, Israel’s official X account stated, “The whole nation stands with the Bibas family in silent grief as Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir are laid to rest. May their memory always be a blessing.”
Yarden, in his eulogy, spoke directly to each member of his family. To Ariel, he expressed his hope that he was enjoying paradise, making angels laugh with his silly jokes and watching butterflies, just as he did during picnics. To baby Kfir, he recalled the joy of his birth, his bright red hair, and his infectious laughter. “Kfir, I’m sorry I didn’t protect you better, but I need you to know that I love you deeply and miss you terribly!”
The burial of Shiri and her sons marks another dark chapter in Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas, with the nation grappling with the horrors inflicted upon its people. Their memory, and the pain of their loss, will remain with Israel forever.
