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Shiri Bibas. Ariel Bibas. Kfir Bibas. Oded Lifshitz.
The return of the bodies of four Israeli hostages by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad has shattered our hearts. For 503 days, their families lived in agony, fighting for their family and praying for a miracle. Instead, they are now forced to bury their loved ones — kidnapped in terror, held in the dark, and brutally taken from this world far too soon. This moment is a horrific testimony to the cruelty of Hamas and all terror factions in Gaza.
Oded Lifshitz, an 84-year-old peace activist, was abducted with his wife, Yocheved, who was later released, while his family fought tirelessly for his return — not knowing he had already been killed. There are no words for this horror. But we have a responsibility — to remember, to demand, to fight for those still being held and tortured.
The bodies of three other slain hostages are still undergoing forensic tests to determine their identity; during this difficult time, we urge everyone to respect the families’ wishes and refrain from eulogizing their loved ones until the families receive final confirmation of their identities.
This morning, heartbreak and agony filled Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. Families, friends and supporters stood together in grief, their faces etched with sorrow, as the painful reality of the return of the slain bodies set in. The square, which has become a symbol of hope and resilience, was overcome with silence, broken only by quiet sobs, whispered prayers and heavy rain that seemed to align with the national sentiment. The weight of months of uncertainty, fear and anguish culminated in this devastating moment, reminding everyone once again of the unbearable human toll of this tragedy.
We must #BringThemAllHome. Before it’s too late.
CLICK TO VIEW: This morning, ADL’s Carole Nuriel shared her thoughts from Hostage Square. Please listen to her powerful words.
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