Tragic Return: The Bibas Brothers and Their Mother Honored in Tel Aviv
In a poignant scene at the Place of Hostages in tel Aviv, a small plush toy and a Batman figurine marked the spot where the Bibas brothers, Kfir (9 months) and Ariel (4 years), were remembered. These beloved toys symbolize the innocence lost when the brothers were captured alongside their mother, Shiri, on October 7 in Kibbutz Nir Oz. On February 20, 2025, their bodies were returned to Israel, a somber reminder of a national tragedy that has gripped the nation.
A Day of Mourning
A memorial adorned with Israeli flags and yellow ribbons stood in honor of the hostages, reflecting the deep wound left by their absence in Israeli society. As the nation mourned, Yuli, dressed in orange—the color associated with the Bibas family—expressed the collective grief:
“it is a terrible day, a day of mourning and sadness. These children could have been ours. They shouldn’t have died in Gaza,”
she said.
Gathered in the square, about fifty people sat in silence before a giant screen that remained dark, a stark contrast to previous weeks when videos of hostages were broadcast. This week, at the families’ request, Israeli media refrained from airing the distressing images of the deceased being delivered by Hamas to the Red Cross.
Confronting the Reality
the absence of images did not diminish the emotional weight of the day.The public was spared from seeing the four black coffins lined up next to mock bombs labeled “Made in the USA,” or the provocative posters depicting the faces of the hostages alongside a bloodied portrait of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, captioned:
“The war criminal netanyahu and his army killed them with Zionist missiles.”
Since late November 2023, Hamas has claimed that Shiri and her children died in an Israeli airstrike, a statement that the israeli army has neither confirmed nor denied, leaving their fate shrouded in uncertainty for over sixteen months. Following their retrieval from Gaza, the coffins were taken to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute in Tel Aviv for formal identification and to ascertain the causes of death.
Divided opinions in a Fractured Society
The emotional atmosphere at the memorial highlighted the divisions within Israeli society.supporters of Netanyahu and his critics stood side by side, united in grief yet divided in opinion.daphna Altschuler, a daily protester in Tel Aviv, remarked:
“Their return to the coffins is the illustration that violence must be stopped. you need a fire to bring everyone back before it’s too late.”
She accused the Prime Minister of sacrificing hostages for political gain,stating,
“We are all his hostages.”
In contrast, Shmulik Shriki, a Jerusalem real estate agent and Netanyahu supporter, countered:
“Hamas must disappear. The death of these innocent children is terrible. We must resume the war.”
His comments reflect the ongoing tension and differing perspectives on how to address the crisis.
Looking Ahead: The Hostage Release Timeline
In a surprising progress, the release of six remaining hostages, part of the initial agreement, is scheduled for February 22, while four more are expected to be released on February 27. However, delays in negotiations for the second phase of the agreement cast a shadow over the future of the truce.
The Bibas Family Tragedy: A Nation mourns, Society divides
An Interview with Dr. Anya Sharma on the complexities surrounding the return of the bibas family.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us today to discuss the incredibly tragic situation surrounding the Bibas family adn its impact on Israeli society. The return of Kfir, Ariel, and Shiri Bibas has been met with national mourning, but also, as our reporting shows, with deep divisions. Can you offer some context for our readers?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Thank you for having me. What we are seeing unfold is a confluence of immense grief and pre-existing societal fractures exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. the Bibas family’s story encapsulates the devastating human cost of this crisis, and their return, while bringing a form of closure, has also amplified the existing tensions within Israeli society. The event underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of the conflict and finding a path toward lasting peace.
Time.news Editor: The memorial in Tel Aviv paints a stark picture. Our reporter noted the presence of both Netanyahu supporters and critics,united in grief,yet divided in opinion. How does this tragedy highlight the existing political polarization in Israel?
Dr. Sharma: the story perfectly encapsulates the deep political chasm. On one hand, you have individuals like Shmulik Shriki, whose immediate reaction is a call for intensified military action, reflecting a segment of the population that believes decisive force is the only way to ensure security. On the other,you have people like Daphna Altschuler,who view the tragedy as a direct condemnation of the Prime Minister’s policies,arguing that the pursuit of military objectives has come at the expense of hostage lives. This division makes finding common ground, necessary for any progress toward peace, incredibly challenging.
Time.news Editor: Our report mentions conflicting claims surrounding the circumstances of the Bibas family’s death.Hamas has claimed they died in an Israeli airstrike, a claim the Israeli army has not confirmed or denied. How does this uncertainty impact the grieving process and public trust?
Dr. Sharma: Uncertainty is agonizing, especially for those directly affected and for a nation already traumatized. The lack of clarity fuels mistrust in official narratives. The ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths is crucial, not only for providing closure but also for ensuring accountability and addressing the deep-seated anxieties within the Israeli population. Clarity is critical in times of national crisis; without it, public trust erodes further.
Time.news Editor: The article notes that Israeli media refrained from airing distressing images of the return at the request of the families. What is the ethical responsibility of the media in reporting on such sensitive events, especially in times of conflict?
Dr. Sharma: The media plays a crucial role, but sensitivity is paramount. Balancing the public’s right to know with the need to protect the dignity of the deceased and respect the wishes of grieving families is a difficult but essential task. In this case, respecting the families’ request to not publicize distressing images was the right decision.Responsible journalism prioritizes empathy and avoids sensationalism, especially when dealing with profound human suffering.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, the looming hostage release timeline brings a glimmer of hope, but delays in negotiations cast a shadow.What are the practical implications of these delays,and what shoudl be the immediate priorities?
Dr. Sharma: Delays in hostage negotiations are deeply concerning. A delayed resolution not only prolongs the suffering of the hostages and their families but can also destabilize the region further, potentially leading to renewed violence. The immediate priority should be to ensure that the negotiated releases proceed as planned and that all possible diplomatic efforts are employed to secure the release of all remaining hostages. Every day that passes increases the risk to their lives and deepens the trauma inflicted upon a nation demanding answers.