The tragic loss of the Bibas brothers, and the devastating toll on Israel’s children

Kfir Bibas should have celebrated his first birthday surrounded by loved ones, but instead, his life was taken away in an act of violence by Hamas militants. His brother Ariel, who should have been joyfully preparing for his first menorah lighting in preschool, was also murdered. The Bibas family’s pain is unimaginable, but their story represents just a fraction of the suffering endured by innocent children during the October 7, 2023, massacre.

According to Israel’s Child Safety Council, 38 children were murdered by Hamas that fateful day. Among the victims were three babies and four toddlers, their futures abruptly stolen. Beyond the lives lost, the toll on surviving children is equally devastating. An estimated 116 children were left orphaned, and nearly 48,000 children have been displaced, forced to sleep far from their homes rather than in their own beds. The trauma caused by this senseless violence is profound, with boys’ trauma cases increasing by 78% and girls’ by 69%. A staggering 19,407 children are now recognized as victims, carrying the emotional and physical scars of war.

Even more alarming is the fact that 37% of these young victims are under six years old, some of whom will grow up haunted by memories of fear and loss. The strain on Israel’s schools and counselling services has led to a shortage of resources to help children cope with their trauma. Domestic violence has spiked by 37%, as parents, themselves scarred by the violence, struggle to manage their own pain while trying to protect their families.

The attack on Israel was not just an assault on the nation but on its future—the children who should have been safe in their homes, schools, and communities. Hamas and Hezbollah’s terror tactics have not only robbed families of their loved ones but have also irrevocably altered the lives of countless children, forcing them to grow up too soon, haunted by the violence around them.

This tragic fate reflects the broader scope of Hamas and Hezbollah's cruelty, whose acts of terrorism target the most vulnerable, without regard for life or age. The world must recognize the severity of these atrocities and the urgent need to hold such groups accountable for their actions. The children of Israel deserve a future free from fear, where they can grow, learn, and thrive—something that Hamas and Hezbollah continue to deny them.