Gal Gadot's moving farewell to Bibas Family 

Shiri Bibas and her sons, Ariel, 4, and Kfir, just 9 months old, abducted from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists during their captivity, were laid to rest today in an emotional ceremony that gripped the nation. The haunting image of Shiri clutching her redheaded boys became an enduring symbol of the savagery of that day, and their deaths—confirmed after over 500 days of agonizing uncertainty—have left Israel reeling. As the country mourned, celebrities and public figures voiced their sorrow, among them Gal Gadot, the Israeli-born Hollywood star whose heartfelt tribute reached her vast international audience.

Early Wednesday, as the Bibas family’s funeral unfolded, Gadot took to her Instagram Stories, a platform followed by more than 100 million people worldwide, to honor Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir. She posted a poignant image of three orange balloons—a color tied to the Bibas family due to their striking red hair, which had made them a rallying point in the hostage crisis—and wrote in English: "Today Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel will be laid to rest. The heart is heavy, and the pain is unbearable." In a second Story, she shared photographs of the trio—a young mother with her infant and preschooler—accompanied by a broken heart emoji, a silent testament to a loss too vast for words.

Gadot, known for her role as Wonder Woman and her deep ties to her homeland, has made it a mission to keep her global followers informed about Israel’s struggles, particularly the fate of the hostages held in Gaza. Two weeks ago, she celebrated the release of Sasha Trufanov, Yair Horn, and Sagir Dekel-Chen from Hamas captivity, posting on Instagram: "Another step toward bringing everyone back," her words reflecting a cautious hope amid ongoing negotiations. Earlier, when Ori Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami were freed, she shared her horror at their condition: "The footage is heartbreaking—their state is a painful reminder of atrocities we thought no longer existed." Each post underscores her commitment to amplifying Israel’s story, bridging the gap between her Hollywood stardom and her roots.

The funeral itself drew thousands of Israelis, who lined the 60-kilometer procession route from Rishon Lezion to Tzohar Cemetery near the Gaza border, waving flags and releasing orange balloons in solidarity. The crowd included everyday citizens alongside notable figures—social media influencers like Natalie Dadon and comedian Yisrael Katorza among them—who came to stand with the Bibas family in their grief. For many, the day marked not just a personal tragedy but a national wound, reopened with every detail of the family’s ordeal: Shiri and her boys held captive for over a year, their father, Yarden Bibas, released on February 1, 2025, only to face the unbearable task of burying them after their bodies were returned this month.

Gadot’s posts, viewed by millions, added a global echo to the local outpouring, her voice joining a chorus of mourning that spanned continents.