Argentina declares national day of mourning for the Bibas Family

Argentina has declared a national day of mourning in memory of the Bibas family, after heartbreaking reports confirmed the deaths of Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Kfir and Ariel, alongside Oded Lifshitz. The family, who held Argentine citizenship, had been kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel.

The announcement by Argentine President Javier Milei, a staunch supporter of Israel, has been met with deep sorrow across Argentina and the global Jewish community.

Heartbreak and Uncertainty: Families Await Final Confirmation

The Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA), one of Argentina's leading Jewish organizations, expressed its devastation following reports that the bodies of the Bibas family and Oded Lifshitz would be returned to Israel.

“This is an overwhelming tragedy that leaves us breathless. My heart goes out to their shattered families, and I pray for the elevation of these innocent souls,” wrote Grand Rabbi Eliahu Hamra on social media.

Global Calls to Free Remaining Hostages

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an organization advocating for the return of those still in captivity, issued a statement demanding immediate negotiations to rescue the remaining 69 hostages still held by Hamas.

"We receive this news with immense grief. Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel Bibas, along with Oded Lifshitz, were taken alive and will now return as bodies for burial," the group stated. "Despite the profound pain, their return provides certainty for their loved ones, closing a chapter of 502 days of agonizing uncertainty. But we cannot forget that there are still dozens of hostages in Gaza, and we must bring them home."

In a direct plea to world leaders, the statement added:“It is imperative that decision-makers accelerate negotiations. We cannot risk more hostages dying in captivity or being lost forever.”

Israel’s Embassy in Argentina Condemns Hamas

In an official statement, the Embassy of Israel in Argentina underscored the brutality of Hamas:“The individuals whose bodies are expected to be returned were alive on the morning of October 7, 2023, when they were forcibly taken from their homes. Hamas kidnapped them over 500 days ago, and now they are being returned lifeless. Tomorrow, each of them will return to their families, who will finally be able to say their last goodbye.

We strongly condemn the barbaric actions of terrorism. With deep sorrow, we embrace every grieving family in Argentina, Israel, and across the world. This pain knows no borders. We stand united in the call for the immediate return of all hostages still held captive in Gaza."

A Long and Painful Wait

The Bibas family’s story has been one of the most heart-wrenching symbols of the hostage crisis. Hamas kidnapped Shiri Bibas, 32, and her sons, Ariel (4) and Kfir (9 months old), on October 7, 2023.

Kfir, the youngest hostage, became a symbol of innocence lost. The haunting images of Shiri holding her two terrified children as they were forcibly taken into Gaza circulated worldwide, sparking outrage and despair.

In November 2023, Hamas claimed that Shiri and her children had died in an Israeli airstrike, yet provided no evidence. For over 16 months, their fate remained unknown. Now, with Hamas confirming their deaths, their remains are expected to be returned to Israel.

Grief and Solidarity in Argentina

Argentina's Jewish community, one of the largest in Latin America, has been deeply affected by the hostage crisis.

On October 7, 2024, exactly once year after the attacks, thousands gathered in Buenos Aires to demand justice and the release of hostages. Among them was Bianca Kolodny, 15, who said:"It’s surreal to live through such a massacre. This is something we only read about in history books."

Norma Kutnowski, another attendee, compared Hamas’ attack to the Holocaust:"For Jews, this is one of the darkest events since World War II. But this isn’t just about Israel. I am here for humanity. If we allow this to continue, the whole world is at risk."

The emotional gathering concluded with a tribute to the hostages, displaying their images on large screens. The Bibas family's faces stood out, a haunting reminder of their fate.

The World Watches as Negotiations Continue

Israel and Hamas are currently engaged in negotiations for a second phase of hostage releases. While Hamas is set to return the bodies of the Bibas family and Oded Lifshitz, discussions continue about the fate of six additional hostages who may be released alive this weekend.