Today, Yarden Bibas delivered an emotional eulogy for his wife Shiri and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, at their funeral in Tsoher Regional Cemetery. The Bibas family had been tragically abducted by Hamas-led terrorists on October 7, 2023, from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. They were held captive in Gaza, where Shiri, Ariel (4 years old), and baby Kfir were ultimately murdered. This devastating loss has left a deep void, not only in Yarden’s heart but also in the hearts of their family, friends, and community.
“Shiri, this is the closest I’ve been to you since October 7th, and I can’t kiss or hug you, and it’s breaking me!
In his heartfelt eulogy, Yarden, standing alongside his sister Ofri, shared memories of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir, expressing profound sorrow and regret, as well as a deep, enduring love for his family. He recalled the precious moments they shared, from the birth of their children to their quiet times together. Yarden’s words to his wife and children, filled with love and pain, serve as a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared.
“I think about everything we went through together — there are so many beautiful memories. I remember Ariel and Kfir’s births. I remember the days we would sit at home or in a café, just the two of us, talking for hours about everything under the sun. It was wonderful. I miss those times deeply. Your presence is profoundly missed.”
While the memory of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir will remain in the hearts of those who loved them, it is the living who are left to carry their legacy and remember them.
Prayer Points:
- Pray for Yarden Bibas’ Strength and Comfort:
- Please pray for Yarden, asking the Lord to provide him with the strength to bear the overwhelming burden of grief and loss. Pray that he may feel surrounded by God’s love and peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Pray that God’s comforting presence will guide him through the difficult days ahead and that he will find hope in God’s promise of eternal life.
- Pray for Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir’s Family and Friends:
- Pray for all those who were close to Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir, including family, friends, and the community of Kibbutz Nir Oz. Ask God to comfort them in their grief, heal their broken hearts, and grant them peace during this time of sorrow. Pray that they find refuge in God’s love and that His Holy Spirit will provide them with strength as they mourn.
- Pray for Protection and Guidance for Yarden:
- Please pray for God’s protection over Yarden as he faces the overwhelming grief and loss of his loved ones. Pray that he will not fall into despair, but instead find solace in God’s presence. Ask God to guide his decisions with wisdom and discernment, and to give him the courage to continue living in a way that honours the memory of his beloved family.
- Pray for Healing for the Community:
- Please pray for the community of those affected by this tragedy, both those who knew the Bibas family and others impacted by the ongoing conflict. Pray that God will heal their hearts and bring comfort in this time of pain. Ask that they experience the healing power of God’s love (Isaiah 61:1-3), and that His peace will dwell in their hearts, bringing them strength and restoration.
- Pray for Hope in the Midst of Grief:
- Please pray that those who mourn will find comfort in the hope of eternal life in Christ. Ask God to help them hold on to this hope during their sorrow. Pray that they will remember that God is close to the brokenhearted and that He binds up their wounds (Psalm 34:18). Pray that His presence will bring peace to their troubled hearts and bring them the strength to endure in this time of grief.
In these difficult times, let us remember that we do not grieve as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). We place our trust in God’s comfort and His eternal love, knowing that He is with us in our pain, and that His promise of peace and restoration is sure.
May we continue to lift up Yarden and all those affected by this tragedy, asking for His peace and healing to be poured out upon them.
