The Bibas family's harrowing story remains one of heartache and uncertainty as they continue to be at the center of a complex and painful hostage crisis. Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, were kidnapped by Hamas militants from the Nir Oz kibbutz on October 7, 2023. The chilling abduction occurred while Shiri was holding her 9-month-old son, Kfir, as they were forcibly taken away. The family was tragically separated from Yarden Bibas, Shiri’s husband, who was later released by Hamas in November 2023.
In a disturbing development, Hamas claimed that Shiri and her children were killed in an Israeli airstrike early in the conflict. However, Israel has not confirmed this claim, though they have expressed "grave concerns" for the family’s fate. Gal Hirsch, the lead Israeli official dealing with hostages and the missing, communicated to the Bibas family’s relatives that Hamas's claims align with Israel's intelligence assessments. Yet, relatives and supporters of the family persist in holding onto hope for their return.
“The information we received is not good,” – Jimmy Miller
The Bibas family was slated for release in the initial exchanges under a ceasefire deal, but they were not among those freed. Hamas provided a breakdown of numbers of hostages classified as alive or dead within a group of 33 humanitarian cases intended for release during this phase. This has left the relatives of the Bibas family in a state of painful limbo.
“It’s not exactly data. It’s Hamas saying [the number of] ‘alive’, ‘released’ and ‘dead’.” – Yizhar Lifshitz
The saga has drawn significant attention both within Israel and globally. Numerous supporters have donned orange—the color symbolizing the children's hair—in solidarity with the Bibas family. Meanwhile, the imminent release of Yarden Bibas on Saturday represents both a relief and a poignant moment for many who have tirelessly campaigned for the family's safe return.
Yarden's last known sign of life came on day 25 of his captivity, adding to the anxiety and anticipation surrounding his expected release. His children, Ariel and Kfir, stand out as the only minors who were not released in a previous ceasefire arrangement in November 2023, amplifying the anguish associated with their uncertain status.
“My heart says they might be alive, but from a rational point of view, thinking logically, they aren’t with us any more. Because of their ages, because there has been no proof of life.” – Leah Corry
For supporters and relatives alike, the release of Yarden is bittersweet. While it marks progress in a fraught situation, it also deepens concerns about Shiri and their young sons. The case continues to capture widespread attention, highlighting both the personal and collective grief experienced by those involved.
“Now it is like the final confirmation. I think, as sad as it is, it is also an important piece of the puzzle, just to know.” – Tal Sabbah
Despite the dire circumstances and conflicting reports on the fate of Shiri and her children, their relatives maintain a resilient hope. They emphasize their commitment to waiting for clarity regarding their condition.
“We said then, and we say now: we hold on to hope and continue waiting for their return. We await clarity regarding their condition.” – Relatives of the Bibas family