"We need to build a life from scratch": Bibas Family launches crowdfunding campaign for Yarden

The family of Yarden Bibas, a survivor of 484 days in Hamas captivity who lost his wife and children, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help him rebuild his shattered life.

The Bibas family’s initiative comes in the wake of unimaginable loss. Yarden Bibas, kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, was freed on February 1, 2025, as part of the second hostage release deal. Only upon his return did he learn that his wife, Shiri, and their sons, Ariel and Kfir, had been murdered in Gaza. The bodies of Ariel and Kfir were transferred to Israel on February 20, followed by Shiri’s two days later. Forensic and intelligence findings indicate the children were killed in late November or early December 2023.

“Yarden was released and then discovered that his entire world had been murdered in captivity. He lost his family, his home, all his possessions—he lost everything,” wrote Yarden’s father, Eli Bibas, on the campaign page hosted by the “Lahoshit Yad” nonprofit. “Yarden’s rehabilitation is a long, complex, and painful journey. Beyond the unbearable grief, he needs to build a life from scratch—physically, emotionally, and financially.”

The campaign, which aims to provide Yarden with the means to start anew, struck a chord with the public, amassing over one million shekels in mere hours. “Despite everything he’s been through, Yarden is full of faith,” Eli continued. “He believes he will have a new life, that he can rise from the ruins and begin again. As his father, I look at him every day, marveling at his strength, his determination, and his ability to endure all he has experienced.”

The Bibas family is not alone in turning to the public for help. An increasing number of families of released hostages—whether they returned alive or their bodies were recovered for burial—have resorted to crowdfunding campaigns, despite state-provided grants.

For Eli Sharabi, freed after 491 days in captivity only to learn his wife and daughters were murdered on October 7, a campaign raised over three million shekels—triple its original goal. Arbel Yehud, released after more than a year in captivity, collected approximately 700,000 shekels. The Ben Ami family secured over one million shekels to build a new home. Just ten days ago, friends of the late Ohad Yahalomi, abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz and whose body was returned in the latest hostage deal phase, raised over three million shekels for his widow and children. Ohad’s son, Eitan, also kidnapped on October 7, was freed in the first hostage deal.

What Support Do Survivors Currently Receive?

Under current law, returned captives are entitled to a support package including a monthly stipend of 8,300 to 9,150 shekels. Upon release, they receive a 50,000-shekel resettlement grant and a 10,000-shekel prepaid card. They are also granted 50% disability status without a medical board review. Those over 55 receive an additional disability supplement, and those over 67 get an annual grant of up to 49,500 shekels.

The state covers medical and psychological treatment, providing an automatic medical care stipend for one year. Housing assistance includes a grant of up to 250,000 shekels for a first home purchase, with annual allowances for household equipment, heating, and cooling. Family members receive 2,000 shekels in travel reimbursements and compensation for two months of lost income for an accompanying relative. A team of social workers, educators, and therapists supports the survivors and their families through rehabilitation and reintegration.

Yet, for many—like those who lost their entire families, homes, and possessions—this framework falls short, leaving them to rebuild from nothing.

The proliferation of these campaigns raises tough questions about the state’s responsibility toward survivors of captivity. N12 learned this morning that MK Israel Eichler, chair of the Knesset’s Labor and Welfare Committee, has ignored a request to hold an urgent discussion on expanding support and grants for returned captives.

A month ago, MK Naama Lazimi (Democrats) gathered signatures from a third of the committee’s members to demand the session. Per Knesset regulations, such a request obligates the chair to convene a meeting, though no specific timeline is mandated. “It’s unacceptable that captives return from captivity and are forced to pick up the pieces on their own, without the State of Israel providing comprehensive and generous support during their readjustment and rebuilding process,” Lazimi told N12. “The reality where captives come back from brutal captivity to lives of uncertainty, without adequate state response, is unthinkable and a moral disgrace.”

She added, “While families are compelled to run crowdfunding campaigns, the state acts as if it’s not their concern—and the Knesset remains silent. I demand this discussion be held immediately, as required by Knesset rules.”

MK Eichler responded: “Since the war began, the committee has addressed the needs of hostages and their families, including private legislation by the chair for monthly funding for hostage families, compensation in lieu of salaries for captives, bereaved families, war victims, reservists, collapsing businesses, and aid for evacuees. Naturally, the committee must prioritize issues requiring urgent votes and dedicate time to the Arrangements Law ahead of the budget approval. Given time constraints, I am currently prioritizing discussions on matters with ready solutions, which the committee must refine and approve swiftly. Accusing me of ‘blatantly ignoring’ the hostages or their families is low politics, and it’s a shame MK Lazimi chose to cynically exploit their pain.”

Channel 12 contributed to this article.