Avinoam Blumenkrantz eulogizes Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas - on behalf of Kibbutz Tze'elim

I stand before you with failing legs and trembling knees. A lump in my throat and through tears, it's difficult to see words that might ease this painful blow. There are so many words in the world. Yet in our language, there aren't enough words to describe this biblical tragedy and the horror we've been enduring these past 509 days. 509 days since that cursed Saturday. Yarden, Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir embody parental devotion, the protective mother, innocence and purity on one hand, and on the other, the terrible failure, the abandonment, the horror, and the embodiment of Hamas's absolute evil. More than three weeks ago, Yarden returned, and we were filled with hope that the ending would be different.

Our hearts wanted to believe, but fears crept into our minds, confirming the magnitude of the disaster. Reality hit us hard. The communities of Tze'elim and Nir Oz have been united in a blood covenant. Yarden, Pnina, Eli, Edna, Ofri, and Dana - our broken hearts are with you in this difficult hour, and we will do everything in our power to surround you with warmth as much as possible.

I remember when we produced your Bar Mitzvah video, Yarden. You were a giant with your Ashkelon accent and magnificent curly mane. Who would have imagined then that your sons would be redheads like King David? And I remember when you came with Shiri to our home for five minutes. You told me with your characteristic humor: "I have no judgment, ask Shiri, she decides." Immediately the teasing between a young, loving couple began. Eli, how proud you were of Ariel. You would tell of his abilities, driving the red Club Car on the kibbutz paths with Ariel in your arms as if he were driving, and you told me he would be a 4×4 champion. The pride was evident.

How did it happen that an anonymous family became public and known in every household, not only in Israel but throughout the entire world? You are a family of lions - the Keshet, Bibas, Silverman family - you fought and didn't let go until the very last second. How ironic, Yarden, son of the "Kfir" group in Tze'elim. Kfir, a lion cub who at 9 months was forced to fight for his life, didn't get to celebrate even one birthday. And Ariel, who in his innocence wanted to be a superhero and save people trapped in a pit. I think you fulfilled that dream. Ariel, you are a superhero. And above all, Shiri, with her natural maternal instinct, protected her tender children who were murdered in cold blood. The image of her wrapping her two infants in the shelter will remain etched forever in each of us. Now Shiri is reunited with Margit and Yossi, her late parents, and the grandparents of the two most famous redheads in the world.

This terrible massacre is a multi-generational massacre that wiped out three generations of the family in one stroke.

The revenge of a small child, Satan himself did not create.

Fly, little birds, cut through the skies, fly wherever you wish... no eagle will frighten you. Mom is watching over you, Mom is with you. And you, Yarden, we will all make sure you don't remain alone in the nest.

With love, embraces, and always with you, the Tze'elim family.