Bibas family issues first statement since Yarden's release 

In a deeply emotional announcement today, the family of Yarden Bibas shared news of his release after 15 months in captivity in Gaza. Bibas, whose wife Shiri and young children remain in captivity, was among the hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks. His return comes with complex emotions as his family grapples with both relief and ongoing anguish for their still-missing loved ones.

His family issued this statement:

"Yarden is home. A quarter of our heart has returned to us after 15 long months. There are no words to describe the relief of holding Yarden in our hands, hugging him and hearing his voice.

Yarden has returned home, but the home is incomplete.

Yarden is a father who left the shelter to protect his family, bravely survived captivity and returned to an unbearable reality. At this time, we ask that you protect Yarden, protect his soul. Please respect his privacy and give him the space he needs so that his soul and body can recover somewhat.

Thank you to our beautiful people. Thank you to our soldiers. Thank you and sorry to all those who sacrificed their lives so that this day would come. We will take a few days to reunite with Yarden, but we continue with hope and the call for the return of Shiri, the children, and all the hostages.

Please continue to make their voices and the urgency of their return heard. Help us echo this now more than ever. For Yarden and for everyone. We won't stop until everyone is home 🧡"