Yarden Bibas’ chilling first words since release 

A week after he was released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, Yarden Bibas, whose wife Shiri and their children Ariel and Kfir are still being held there while their condition is unknown, issued his first statement.

"On October 7, 2023, I was kidnapped from the State of Israel," says Yarden Bibas, "On February 1, 2025, I returned to another country. I knew that in moments of disaster, the people of Israel unite. But I didn't know to what extent. I want to thank all the people, everyone who supported me and my family.

"I want to thank you for the strength you have given to my family and friends. They told me about everything you did for me and my family, and the word of thanks is not big enough to express my appreciation to you."

Bibas addresses the IDF soldiers and says: "To the soldiers in the IDF, in one sentence – you are heroes, each and every one of you. In one word – thank you."

Bibas adds: "Unfortunately, my family hasn't gotten back to me yet. They're still there. My light is still there, and as long as they're there, everything is dark here.

"Thanks to you, help me bring the light back into my life. There are 79 more hostages. Let's continue to do everything possible so that everyone will go home. Please, don't stop."

Yarden Bibas adds, "A final request to the people of Israel," and says, "I saw the unity of our amazing people. Please, let's not wait for the next disaster to be united. Unity is our strength."

Finally, he turns to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "Prime Minister, now I am addressing you in my own words, which no one dictated for me: bring back my family, bring back my friends, bring everyone home."

Kikar Hashabbat contributed to this article.