With deep sorrow, thousands are accompanying the Bibas family today (Tuesday) on their final journey. While Israeli flags wave and tears flow, the pain is palpable throughout the country.
Among those in attendance is Hagai Luber, a bereaved father whose son Yehonatan fell while charging terrorists in Gaza. Amidst his grief, he felt compelled to share words of strength with the nation.
“No One Needs to Apologize Except Hamas”
“My sweet son Yehonatan was killed while storming terrorists who were firing at his unit. No one is responsible for his death except Hamas,” Luber wrote. “No one needs to apologize except Hamas. When you see us mourning and crying, and your heart goes out to us, do not mistake your feelings. This is not guilt – it is sharing in our grief, which is also your grief. And for that, we thank you.”
Luber explained why he opposes signs that have appeared at various intersections across the country this morning: “I look in astonishment at the ‘apology’ signs directed at the Bibas family. I look at their beautiful faces, and I feel no need to apologize. I did not kill them. I did not cause their deaths. I do not confuse feelings of pain with feelings of guilt. And neither should you.”
“This Is Not a Time for Apologies – This Is a Time for Victory”
In a clear, firm message, Luber warned against falling into the trap of self-blame: “Apology implies guilt. And blaming ourselves leads to the dangerous deterioration of internal conflict, witch hunts, and political self-flagellation. And that weakens us immensely.”
He stressed that these days require unity, not division: “In times of war, when we must be united, we must say loudly and clearly: the blame lies solely with our cruel enemies. Only them. They slaughtered, they murdered, they raped, they destroyed. They have no forgiveness, no pardon, no absolution. And they must be eradicated—this evil must be eliminated.”
“There Is No Comparison Between Mistakes and Murder”
Luber called for a distinction between criticism and accountability while making it clear that there is no place for comparing mistaken leaders to malicious terrorists: “After the war, professional bodies must investigate all mistakes—political, military, and civil. It is essential to draw conclusions, correct worldviews, and replace those who erred. But we must always remember that everyone who made mistakes did so with the intention of doing good for this nation. There is no comparison whatsoever between mistakes and murder, between governance and malice, between decision-making and abandonment.”
“Raise Signs of Hope”
He concluded with a resolute call: “So today, as you stand in the funeral procession, do not raise signs of apology. Raise signs of solidarity, embrace, sorrow, and love. This is not a time for demanding apologies. This is not a time for searching for blame. This is a time to bring our hostages home. A time to destroy our enemies. A time for victory.”
Luber’s message went viral on social media, with his painful yet piercing words resonating deeply in the hearts of many.
