Yarden Bibas' heartbreaking farewell to his wife and children killed by Hamas: "I regret not being able to protect them all"

The Bibas family was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The father of the family, Yarden Bibas , returned alive on February 1, but his wife, Shiri Silberman Bibas, and his children, Kfir and Ariel , died. In this context, and after the return of the bodies to Israel , the victims of the terrorist group's attack were said goodbye with a heartbreaking message from Yarden.

“I remember the first time I called you ‘my love’. It was at the beginning of our relationship. You told me to only call you that if I was sure I loved you, not to say it carelessly. I didn’t say it then because I didn’t want you to think I was rushing to say ‘I love you’. Shiri, I confess to you now that I already loved you back then when I said ‘my love’. I love you and I will always love you! Shiri, you are everything to me! You are the best wife and mother there could ever be. Shiri, you are my best friend. Mishmish, who will help me make decisions now? How am I supposed to make decisions without you? ” he began.

Following this, and with visible pain, Yarden Bibas added: “ Shiri, I am sorry I could not protect you all. I think of everything we went through together – there are so many beautiful memories. I remember the births of Ariel and Kfir. I remember the days when 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 deeply miss those times. We deeply miss your presence,” said the father of the family of Argentine descent.

“I want to tell you all about what’s happening in the world and here in Israel. Shiri, everyone knows us and loves us – you can’t imagine how surreal all this madness is. Shiri, people tell me that they will always be by my side, but it’s not you. So please stay close to me and don’t go too far! Shiri, this is the closest I’ve been to you since October 7th, and I can’t kiss you or hug you, and it’s breaking me! Shiri, please take care of me… Protect me from bad decisions. Protect me from harmful things, and protect me from myself. Keep me from sinking into darkness. Mishmish, I love you!” she added.

In another part of his farewell speech, Yarden Bibas spoke to his sons, who also died in the Hamas attack on Israel. “Chuki, Ariel, you made me a father. You made us a family. You taught me what really matters in life and about responsibility. The day you were born, I instantly matured because of you. You taught me a lot about myself and I want to thank you. So thank you, my beloved.”

“Ariel, I hope you are not angry with me for not protecting you properly and for not being there for you . I hope you know that I thought about you every day, every minute. I hope you are enjoying paradise. I am sure you are making all the angels laugh with your silly jokes and impressions. I hope there are plenty of butterflies for you to observe, just like you did during our picnics,” Yarden Bibas added.

Finally, she referred to Kfir, who was kidnapped by Hamas when he was only eight months old: “I remember your birth. I remember that during the delivery the midwife suddenly stopped everything, we were scared and thought something was wrong, but it was only to tell us that we had another redhead. Mom and I laughed and rejoiced. You brought more light and happiness to our little home. Kfir, I am sorry I did not protect you better, but I need you to know that I love you deeply and miss you so much! ” she concluded.

Yarden Bibas: "My love"

I remember the first time I called you "my love." It was at the beginning of our relationship. You told me to only call you that if I was sure I loved you, not to say it carelessly. I didn't say it then because I didn't want you to think I was… pic.twitter.com/dBzgpfQxVY