Tens of thousands will flood the streets: ORT's initiative for the Bibas Family Funeral

At the ORT school network, all students, teachers, employees, and college students - approximately 100,000 students and over 8,000 employees - have been called to stop their studies when the funeral takes place. They have been asked to go out with flags in a display of unity at schools, colleges, and in the community, for Shiri Bibas and her children, Ariel and Kfir, who were returned to Israel in coffins after being killed in Hamas captivity.

In a letter sent to educational institutions and employees, ORT network CEO Raz Frohlich wrote: "With endless pain, we say goodbye to Shiri and her children. We couldn't prevent your kidnapping, we couldn't save you, but the least we can do is stop, honor your memory, and never forget. I call on the entire ORT community to pause during the funeral hour and commemorate their bravery and the pain we all feel together."

The timing of the funeral for the three family members has not yet been set, as the family is currently making decisions about how the funeral will look, taking into consideration the sensitive condition of the father, Yarden Bibas, who was kidnapped and was the only survivor.

According to Frohlich, stopping classes is not just an act of mourning: "This is a lesson in unity, resilience, and dignity. Even through the devastation and pain, we are committed to continue growing, spreading light, and giving hope to future generations. The ORT network will continue to educate for values of morality, justice, and humanity, while standing firm against evil and fighting uncompromisingly against it."

Israel Hayom contributed to this article.