The Bibas Family

The Piece I Needed to Write But You Might Skip

Warning- although I like to inject a little humor and levity into most of my posts, there is absolutely nothing funny about what I’m about to say. So, if you prefer to skip this one I will understand. But I cannot not write about it.

If you are Jewish, you know about the Bibas family. If you are not Jewish, it’s likely that you’ve seen your Jewish friends post about them on social media. Perhaps you read some of the posts, perhaps you scrolled on by. Because it’s a pretty unpleasant story.

On October 7, the Bibas family was kidnapped from their home by terrorists. Yarden, Shiri, and their sons: 4-year-old Ariel and 9-month-old Kfir, who was the youngest captive taken that day. Shira’s parents were murdered in the attack and there is heartbreaking video of her trying to protect her two little boys, yelling “stop” in Hebrew. Every mother can imagine her anguish as she tried to shield her children.

Yarden, who had been taken separately, was released earlier this month. And now Hamas is saying they will soon be releasing the bodies of his wife and sons.

Other than among my Jewish friends, I’ve heard very little outcry from the rest of the world. These were innocent civilians taken from their house. There was no war going on, they had done nothing. There is no excusing Hamas or the Palestinians who support them.

I kept hoping they were still alive. I still keep hoping that this is another sick game Hamas is playing. Before they have released other prisoners the terrorists have paraded them through the streets, made them thank their captors, given them certificates and medals, etc. These are depraved people. They actually videoed Yarden sobbing as he was told his family was dead.

Until their bodies are released I will continue to hope against hope that Shira, Kfir, and Ariel are still alive. Even though I know it’s unlikely.

I hope that you will stop and look at their pictures when you see them on Instagram and Facebook. And if the worst has happened, offer a prayer that their memories be for a blessing. And a prayer for their father, who like many others, will have to live with the horror of what has happened. Imagine being the last survivor. Imagine having to live with the knowledge of what they went through.

I would like to think that you don’t have to be Jewish to understand the agony we are feeling. Just as I feel agony when atrocities against others are committed.

There is a lot going on these days. But I couldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t write about them. If you’ve read this far, thank you.

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