Ariel Bibas' neighbor shares heartbreaking memories of him

A close friend of the Bibas family has shared poignant memories of 4-year-old Ariel Bibas, who was killed in captivity along with his mother Shiri and baby brother Kfir after being kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7.

Speaking to Radio 103FM earlier today (Monday) ahead of the family's funeral scheduled for Wednesday, Yamit Avital remembered Ariel as a bright-spirited child with "a smile that could melt anyone's heart."

"Shiri was a daughter of Kibbutz Nir Oz," said Avital, describing how her friend met and married Yarden Bibas from nearby Kibbutz Tze'elim before the couple decided to build their life in Nir Oz. "Our connection grew through our children - my youngest son was the same age as Ariel."

Living as neighbors in the close-knit kibbutz community, the families' lives were deeply intertwined. "We spent our days moving between houses, meeting at the pool, community events, the dining hall, and kindergarten," Avital recalled. "Watching Ariel play was always a joy. He was mischievous, but in the sweetest way possible."

Avital shared a particularly touching memory of Ariel's excitement over his baby brother: "I remember one day at kindergarten when Shiri brought baby Kfir in his stroller, sleeping. Ariel was so excited he ran around the stroller until he accidentally woke the baby. Shiri was upset, but I couldn't help laughing at the pure innocence of the moment. It was truly heartwarming."

The Bibas family's story has become one of the most tragic symbols of the October 7 attack. Shiri, 32, was kidnapped along with Ariel, 4, and Kfir, who was just 9 months old at the time. Their deaths in captivity were later confirmed by Israeli authorities.

The family's funeral is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.