In a heartbreaking national moment, thousands of Israelis gathered Wednesday to pay their final respects to Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas – the mother and two young children from Nahal Oz murdered while in Hamas captivity and whose bodies were returned several days ago as part of the hostage deal.
The brutal kidnapping of the three was captured on video and horrifying the world. The painful funeral procession began at 7:45 a.m. from the Hevra Kadisha complex in Rishon Lezion and will continue to the Sha'ar HaNegev Junction.
Video: Thousands line up in Israel to bid farewell to murdered members of the Bibas family
The coffins' journey concluded with a burial ceremony in Tzohar in southern Israel, with family and local officials delivering eulogies. "The protective mother stood in contrast to the barbarity of the terrorists," said a member of the kibbutz as he delivered a eulogy over the coffins.
Video: Israelis bid farewell to the Bibas family as they are laid to rest / Credit: Reuters
Masses of Israelis lined up along the procession route, paying their last respects to Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas. The three were murdered in Hamas captivity after their kidnapping on Oct. 7, 2023, with the father being the only survivor of the family, having been recently released after more than a year in captivity.
The Bibas family watched solemnly as thousands gathered for the funeral procession on Wednesday. "We have begun this funeral journey accompanied by masses of the people of Israel," the family stated in an emotional message.
"We see and hear you all, and are moved and strengthened by your presence. Yarden says he apologizes for not being able to come down and give each and every one of you a hug. We yearn for the day when we can once again unite in moments of joy, not sorrow," they added as the procession made its way through the streets lined with mourners paying their final respects.
Thousands gather in Rishon LeZion at the start of the funeral procession / Credit: TPS/Eitan Elhadez Barak)
Along the way, the coffins will pass through the Rishonim Interchange, the Yavne Interchange Bridge, the Ad Halom Bridge, the Nitzanim Junction, the Yad Mordechai Junction, and the Nir Am Junction.
The Bibas family requested that the funeral ceremony be held in the presence of invitees only.
Video: People gather at Hostage Square ahead of the funeral of the Bibas family members / Credit: Shmuel Buchris
The eulogies were broadcast to the general public at 11:30 a.m. and streamed here on the Israel Hayom website. At Beit Berl College, a ceremony was held with the participation of academic staff and students where they released orange balloons in memory of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir, and for the return of all hostages, both the living and the deceased.
Video: Israelis bid farewell to the Bibas family as they are laid to rest / Credit: Shmuel Buchris
Amir Tamsut, a resident of Moshav Yesha who joined the convoy accompanying the funeral procession, said: "I manage the sports department in Eshkol. I was born and raised in Eshkol. For us in the community that experienced the greatest tragedy, we move through a range of emotions from hope to deep sadness. Today is a difficult and complex day, a day when almost an entire family was kidnapped and brutally murdered, and the least we can do is accompany them on their final journey."
Video: MKs in the Knesset stand for a minute of silence to remember the Bibas family
Tamir Abraham, who stood by the road as the coffins passed by, said, "I live in North Carolina and returned for a week's visit to Israel. It's important to be here right now to pay final respects. This is closure, and with God's help, everyone will return home, all the hostages, and we will rebuild the country."
