Freed hostage Yarden Bibas insists: "Shiri, Ariel and Kfir are alive"

In a powerful testament to unwavering hope, Yarden Bibas, recently freed from Hamas captivity, has firmly rejected claims about the fate of his wife Shiri and their two young children, Kfir and Ariel. "Until proven otherwise, they are alive and need to return," Bibas declared to his family members, characterizing Hamas's statements as "vile propaganda."

The Bibas family's ordeal began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists stormed Kibbutz Nir Oz. In a harrowing moment captured on video that would later become emblematic of the attack's brutality, Shiri Bibas was seen clutching her children as militants forcibly took them from their home. The footage of the red-haired mother protecting her children became a powerful symbol of the human cost of the conflict.

For 484 days, Yarden Bibas endured captivity, separated from his family and tortured by uncertainty about their fate. His release on February 1, 2025, brought bittersweet emotions as he emerged without knowledge of his family's whereabouts or condition. The situation grew more complex in November 2023 when Hamas claimed that Shiri and the children had been killed in captivity – a claim that remains unverified and which Yarden steadfastly refuses to accept.

"He understands the declarations, but refuses to believe them," family members revealed to Channel 12 News on February 17. This stance reflects not just personal hope but also the experience of previous hostage situations where Hamas's claims proved unreliable.

The Bibas case has galvanized international attention, particularly due to the ages of the children involved. Kfir, who was only nine months old when taken, became the youngest hostage in the conflict. His brother Ariel was four. Their plight has sparked global advocacy efforts, including the wearing of orange – a symbol chosen to represent hope for the children's safe return.

The family's story epitomizes the broader humanitarian crisis of the hostage situation. Public campaigns, diplomatic efforts, and negotiations continue to focus on securing the release of all remaining hostages, with the Bibas family's situation often at the forefront of these discussions.

Yarden's recent statements underscore the psychological complexity of hostage situations, where hope becomes both a shield and a survival mechanism. Despite being confronted with Hamas's claims, he maintains his conviction that his family will return, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of uncertainty.

The international community continues to demand answers and accountability regarding the fate of Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel Bibas.

As negotiations for hostage releases continue, the Bibas family's story remains a critical focus of both diplomatic efforts and public attention.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel's fate serves as a sobering reminder of the many families still waiting for news of their loved ones, while Yarden's unwavering hope demonstrates the power of family bonds in the face of unimaginable adversity.

For now, Yarden Bibas's voice joins the chorus of families and supporters worldwide who continue to demand answers and action, refusing to accept anything less than the safe return of their loved ones.

The whole of Israel stands next to Yarden, praying and hoping against hope that his wife Shiri and his beautiful red-haired boys are still alive.