Bibas family says their ‘world collapsed’ when loved ones weren’t on list of hostages to be freed today

The Bibas family, father Yarden, mother Shiri, baby Kfir and four-year-old Ariel, were taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023 from Kibbutz Nir Oz. (Courtesy)
The Bibas family, father Yarden, mother Shiri, baby Kfir and four-year-old Ariel, were taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023 from Kibbutz Nir Oz. (Courtesy)

Relatives of the Bibas family say their “world collapsed” when their loved ones weren’t on the list of hostages to be released today.

Four female surveillance soldiers are expected to be released today by Hamas. Surveillance soldier Agam Berger remains in Gaza, in addition to two female civilian hostages from the original list of 33 who are slated to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire deal: Arbel Yehud, 29, and Shiri Silberman Bibas, 33.

Bibas’s two sons Ariel and baby Kfir, and her husband Yarden, are also on the list of 33 to be freed.

Here is the Bibas family’s post in full:

Bibas Family Statement

The 477th morning,
Once again, we found no rest last night.

Yesterday at 16:00, when the list of those set for release was published, our world collapsed.
Even though we were prepared for this possibility, we had hoped to see Shiri and the children on the list that was supposed to be for civilian women.

In the evening, when we turned on the news, our pain, our struggle, and, most importantly, the crucial discussion about the complexity and tragedy of them not being on the list disappeared from the mouths of the broadcasters in the studios.

Does the grave concern for their lives cancel out the fact that they are civilians in captivity who must be brought home?
Does the grave concern for their lives negate the fact that the state is obligated in this deal to provide us with certainty?
Does the grave concern for Shiri’s life mean that there is no longer a need to display her photo as a kidnapped civilian in Gaza whose fate remains unknown?

The answer is — No.

Thank you, dear supporters, for not giving up, for continuing to pray, hope, and demand answers.

Today is an emotional and complex day ahead of us.

Liri, Daniela, Naama, and Karina—
We are waiting to see you smiling, wrapped in love, at home with your incredible families.

Shiri, Yarden, Ariel, and Kfir—
We will continue to hope and demand your return.

It’s not over until it’s over.

Sincerely,
The Bibas Family

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