Israeli Hostage Freed: Apology and Heartfelt Regret for Not Protecting Fellow Captives

Israel Mourns Bibas Family: Funeral Held for Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir

Hundreds gathered in southern Israel to mourn Shiri Bibas and her two sons, Ariel, 4, and Kfir, 9 months, who where killed while held captive in Gaza.The family was seized by palestinian militants on Oct. 7, 2023, from kibbutz Nir Oz.

A Nation in Tears

The emotional funeral, restricted to close family, saw orange balloons released in memory of the children. Signs reading “sorry” and “the broken heart with the Bibas family” adorned a nearby fence.

Ariel, 4, and Kfir, 9 months, at the time of their abduction.Photo: Undisclosed source

Yarden Bibas’s Eulogy: “I’m Sorry I Couldn’t Protect You”

Yarden Bibas, the children’s father and Shiri’s husband, delivered a heartbreaking eulogy. “Shiri, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you all,” he said. He also expressed his love, saying, “Shiri, I love you and will always love you. Shiri, you are everything to me,” his voice filled with emotion as his words were televised live.

He further lamented his inability to protect his son, ariel. “Ariel, I hope you’re not angry with me for failing to protect you properly and for not being ther for you,” Yarden said, adding, “I hope you know I thought about you every day, every minute. I hope you’re enjoying paradise.”

Remembering his youngest son, Kfir, Yarden shared, “You brought more light and happiness to our little home.You came with your sweet, captivating laugh and smile, and I was instantly hooked! It was unfeasible not to nibble on you all the time.”

Calls for Accountability

Shiri Bibas’s sister-in-law,Ofri,urged Israeli officials to take responsibility for the deaths,stating,”There is no meaning to forgiveness before the failures are investigated,and all officials take responsibility… They could have saved you but preferred revenge.”

Mourners gathered in Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square” to watch the funeral broadcast. Photo: Undisclosed Source

Returned Remains and Conflicting Accounts

The return of the Bibas family’s remains was part of a ceasefire deal with Israel. The handover initially sparked anger when Hamas delivered the wrong body, blaming a “mix-up.” Hamas claimed an Israeli airstrike killed Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel, but an Israeli post-mortem found no evidence of blast injuries.

Mourning Extends Beyond the Family

Thousands of mourners, carrying flags and orange balloons, participated in the funeral procession. Aviv Nahman, 22, expressed the nation’s collective grief: “The Bibas family has got into all of us, in the heart,” she said. “I have a sister and nephews the exact same ages, so I felt an obligation to be here today.”

A Nation’s Grief

The left-leaning newspaper Haaretz poignantly captured the national sentiment, printing its front page entirely in orange with the words: “An entire nation in tears bids farewell to Shiri, ariel and Kfir. May they rest in peace.” This single act encapsulates the depth of sorrow felt across Israel and beyond.

Looking Ahead

The loss of the Bibas family serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing human cost of conflict. As Israel mourns, the calls for accountability and peace grow louder. Remember their names, advocate for peace, and support organizations working to aid victims of conflict.

How does collective mourning manifest in Israeli society, according to Dr. Orteiza Gavriel?

Shockwaves of Loss: A Conversation with Expert on Israel’s Unending Grief

As Israel bids farewell to the Bibas family, we sit down with renowned sociologist and conflict resolution specialist, Dr. Orteiza Gavriel, to discuss the profound impact of this tragedy on the nation and its journey towards healing.

Horst heine, Archyde News: Dr. Gavriel,thanks for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. What makes the Bibas family’s story so deeply resonant with the israeli public?

Dr. Orteiza Gavriel: Thank you, Horst. The Bibas family’s story has struck a chord with Israelis on multiple levels. It’s not just the loss of life, but also the sense of violation and helplessness. This family was targeted while living peacefully, highlighting the brutal reality of the conflict. Additionally, the children’s innocence and the raw, emotional eulogy by yarden Bibas have amplifed the public’s grief.

HH: The funeral saw an outpouring of support, with thousands participating. How does this collective mourning manifest in Israeli society?

Dr. Orteiza gavriel: Collective mourning in Israel often manifests as a deeper sense of national unity. It transcends political, religious, and socioeconomic divides. The orange balloons, a symbol of the hostage situation, became a unifying emblem of solidarity. The ‘Hostages Square’ in Tel Aviv is a testament to this collective grief and resilience.

HH: Conflicting accounts surround the family’s deaths. How has this impacted the public discourse and calls for accountability?

Dr. Orteiza Gavriel: The conflicting accounts have fuelled speculations, anger, and a desire for openness. Ofri’s call for investigation and accountability reflects this sentiment. The public wants answers, and they want those responsible held to account. This discourse is Also pushing for a revision of strategies to prevent such tragedies in the future.

HH: Moving forward, what steps can Israel take to mitigate such tragedies and foster healing?

Dr. Orteiza Gavriel: Besides advocating for peace and improved security measures, Israel can foster healing through commemorative events, support groups for bereaved families, and initiatives like the ‘Orange Balls’ campaign, which turns the symbol of loss into a beacon of hope and unity. Moreover, pushing for accountability and justice can definitely help prevent similar tragedies.

HH: Dr. Gavriel, this has been a thought-provoking discussion. Thank you for lending your perspective to our readers. Lastly, what can individuals do to remember and honor the Bibas family?

Dr. Orteiza Gavriel: Every act of kindness,every voice raised for peace,and every heart that mourns is a way to remember and honor the bibas family. Remember their names, their story, and let it inspire you to work for a better, safer world for all.