Yarden Bibas'  heartbreaking eulogy for his family: "I'm sorry I didn't protect you better"

Tens of thousands of people participated in the large funeral procession for Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas - less than a week after their bodies were returned from Hamas captivity in Gaza, after being kidnapped alive from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the horrific Simchat Torah massacre.

The funeral procession began at the Chevra Kadisha in Rishon LeZion and continued to the Sha'ar HaNegev Junction. The Bibas family and the Hostages Families Headquarters called on the Israeli public to stand with Israeli flags along the route and accompany them on their final journey to eternal rest.

The most heart-wrenching moment of the funeral came a short time ago, during the devastating eulogy delivered by the father of the family, who was released from Hamas captivity several weeks ago.

This is the heartbreaking way he eulogized Shiri, Kfir and Ariel.

“Mi Amor

I remember the first time I said ‘mi amor’ to you. It was at the very beginning of our relationship. You told me to only call you that if I was certain I loved you, not to say it carelessly. I didn’t say it then because I didn’t want you to think I was rushing to say ‘I love you.’ Shiri, I’ll confess to you now that I already loved you back then when I said ‘mi amor’.

Shiri, you are everything to me! You're the best wife and mother in the world. Shiri, you're my best friend. Mishmish, who will help me make decisions now... How am I supposed to make decisions without you?

Do you remember our last decision? In the safe room I asked you if "we fight or surrender" and you said fight, so I fought.

Shiri, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. If only I had known what would happen, I wouldn't have fired my weapon. I think about everything we went through together and there are so many beautiful memories.

I remember when Ariel and Kfir were born. I remember the days we would sit at home or in a café alone and talk for hours... about absolutely everything. It was wonderful, and I miss that so much now.

I miss your presence desperately.

I want to tell you about everything that's happening in the world and here in Israel.

Shiri, everyone knows and loves us now. You can't imagine how surreal all this madness is. Shiri, people tell me they will always stand by me, but they're not you. So please stay close to me and don't go far!

Shiri, this is the closest I've been to you since October 7th. Shiri, please watch over me...

Protect me from bad decisions. Shield me from harmful things and protect me from myself. Watch over me so I don't sink into darkness.

Chuki (Ariel), you made me a father. You made us a family. You taught me what truly matters in life and about responsibility. The day you were born, I grew up instantly because of you. You taught me so much about myself, and I want to thank you.

So thank you, my love.

Ariel, I hope you're not angry with me that I couldn't protect you properly and that I wasn't there for you. I hope you know that I thought about you every single day and every minute.

I hope you're enjoying paradise. I'm sure you're making all the angels laugh with your silly antics and impressions. I hope there are plenty of butterflies for you to watch, like you did during our picnics.

Chuki, be careful when you come down from your cloud that you don't step on Toni...

Teach Kfir all your impressions and make everyone laugh up there.

Ariel, I love you "the most in the world always in the world," just as you used to tell us.

Poopik (Kfir), I didn't think our family could be more perfect, and then you arrived and made it even more perfect...

I remember your birth. I remember during the delivery when the midwife suddenly stopped everything and we panicked, afraid something was wrong, but it was just to tell us we had another redhead. Mom and I laughed and were so happy.

You brought more light and joy to our little home. You came with your sweet and captivating laugh and smile, and I was instantly hooked!

It was impossible not to cuddle you constantly.

Kfir, I'm sorry I didn't protect you better, but I need you to know that I love you very much and I miss you terribly!

I miss cuddling you and hearing your laughter.

I miss our morning games when Mom would ask me to watch you before I went to work. I cherished those little moments so much, and I miss them today more than ever!

Kfir, I love you the most in the world, always in the world!"