Yarden Bibas Returns to Israel, But His Family Remains Held by Hamas

Yarden Bibas Returns to Israel, But His Family Remains Held by Hamas

Yarden Bibas has returned to Israel after more than 480 days of captivity, following his abduction by Hamas terrorists from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. While his return marks a significant milestone, it comes with the haunting reality that his wife, Shiri, and their two young children, Ariel and Kfir, remain in Gaza, their fates uncertain. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have expressed grave concerns for their well-being during this difficult time.

Government Officials Acknowledge the Challenge

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Yarden Bibas back, offering his thoughts and prayers to his family still in captivity. “Our thoughts are with Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, along with all of our abductees. We will continue to fight to bring them home,” Netanyahu stated on social media.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog echoed these sentiments, describing Yarden’s reunion as simultaneously joyous and heartbreaking. “Yarden’s reunion with his family is deeply moving. The nation stands united in our concern for Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir—I hold them in my heart and pray for their safety,” Herzog commented.

Collective Efforts to Secure Their Release

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum celebrated Yarden Bibas’ release but emphasized their ongoing commitment to advocating for the safe return of his family. Yarden was freed alongside American-Israeli Keith Siegel and French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon in the latest phase of hostage releases, part of a ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hamas.

“From the outset of Hamas’s ruthless attack on October 7, our mission has remained clear—to bring every hostage home. We cannot and will not forget the 79 hostages still in captivity,” stated IDF International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani.

Celebrating the Release of Other Hostages

The recent release also included Keith Siegel, whose return was celebrated across both American and Israeli communities. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the efforts made by the Biden Administration to secure his release. “Americans can rejoice, and we remain committed to bringing all hostages home,” she affirmed.

Governor of North Carolina Josh Stein expressed relief at Siegel’s freedom, urging continued efforts towards the release of all hostages. “Let us celebrate the reunions while continuing to push for peace in the region. The suffering must end,” Stein said.

A Shift in Hostage Release Protocol

The recent hostage release protocols appeared different from previous arrangements, which often witnessed chaotic scenes as the hostages were transferred. This change is likely due to Netanyahu’s insistence on ensuring safe exits for the released captives, avoiding the chaos observed during earlier releases.

Psychological Manipulation by Hamas

During his time in captivity, Bibas was coerced into creating a video in which Hamas falsely claimed that his wife and children had been killed, highlighting the psychological torment often inflicted upon captives. Despite these attempts at manipulation, Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel were included in a list of 33 hostages set for release in the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement.

Upon his return, Yarden shared his family’s emotional state: “A quarter of our heart has returned to us after 15 long months… Though Yarden is home, the home feels incomplete without Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir.”

The Bibas Family: A Symbol of Resilience

The Bibas family has come to symbolize the plight of many affected by Hamas’s brutality. A poignant video showcasing Shiri holding her young children has circulated widely, emphasizing the urgency for their release. The color orange has become a rallying symbol for their cause, representing their children’s bright red hair.

At the time of their abduction, Kfir was just 9 months old and Ariel was 4 years old, making them the only child hostages known to still be in Gaza. Now, Ariel is 5, and Kfir, having recently celebrated his second birthday in captivity, has spent both of his birthdays away from home.

The Ongoing Crisis

As of now, 79 hostages remain in Gaza, 35 of whom have been declared dead. Meanwhile, Keith Siegel holds the distinction of being the first Israeli-American to return home. Presently, six American citizens are still believed to be held by Hamas, raising concerns about their well-being. The situation remains precarious as families anxiously await news about their loved ones in captivity.