From the Liveblog of
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Bibas family moved as Israelis pay tribute to murdered kids amid Purim revelry
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
As Israelis gears up for the holiday of Purim, with children going to school in costumes, the Bibas family has posted on social media about the pain of experiencing this celebratory period without Ariel and Kfir Bibas. The two boys, 4 years old and 10 months old, respectively, and their mother, Shiri, were killed in captivity in Gaza, their bodies released by Hamas for burial in Israel two weeks ago.
A post on a Facebook page managed by the family writes that they were moved to see pictures posted on social media of classes of schoolchildren throughout the country, as well as adults, dressed as Batman, some carrying orange balloons or wearing orange masks, as a homage to Ariel Bibas and his love for the masked and caped superhero.
“The heart missed a beat twice today,” writes the family in English. “Once, when we woke up to a morning without new photos of Ariel and Kfir dressed up for Purim and the second time when we saw all the incredible gestures on the streets of Israel. Time after time during the last almost year and a half and especially during the last few weeks, you have shown us that Ariel and Kfir will never leave us. They are in the heart of the nation and will always remain so. Those who were a symbol of Hamas’ cruelty, are now a symbol of unity and hope for the people of Israel.”
The family writes that they were also moved to see thousands of Israelis at the funeral procession, paying condolence calls, and at protests calling for the the release of the rest of the hostages.
“Thank you, our dear people of Israel,” writes the family.
The message includes a picture of bereaved dad and husband Yarden Bibas holding a sign calling for the release of fellow Nir Oz abductees Ariel and David Cunio. “For Ariel, for Kfir and for Shiri – please continue calling for the return of the 59 hostages that remain in captivity, among them Yarden’s best friend, David Cunio and his brother Ariel Cunio. Until everyone is home. We love you the most in the world.”
