Standing before grieving family members, close friends, and countless Israelis watching the live broadcast, as Israeli flags waved around him, Yarden Bibas delivered the most painful speech imaginable – a farewell to his beloved wife and two young sons, who were murdered in Hamas captivity.
Speaking from the depths of his heart, he shared his love, memories, and unbearable sorrow. He addressed them as if they stood before him, pleading for them to stay close, even if only in spirit.
“Mi Amor”: The Full Eulogy
“I remember the first time I called you ‘Mi Amor.’ It was at the very start of our relationship. You told me to only call you that if I was certain I loved you, not just for the sake of saying it. So, I didn’t say it then – I didn’t want you to think I was rushing to say ‘I love you.’ But Shiri, I’ll tell you now: I already loved you back then when I first said ‘Mi Amor.’
Shiri, I love you, and I will always love you! You were my everything! The best wife and mother, my best friend.
Mishmish, who will help me make decisions now? How am I supposed to make choices without you? Do you remember our last decision? In the safe room, I asked you, ‘Do we fight or surrender?’ You told me, ‘We fight.’ So, I fought.
Shiri, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you. If I had known what would happen, I wouldn’t have fired a single shot. I think of all we went through together – so many beautiful memories.
I remember Ariel and Kfir’s births. I remember the days we would sit at home or at a café, just the two of us, talking about everything. It was so much fun. I miss it. I miss you so much.
I want to tell you everything happening in the world and in Israel. Shiri, everyone knows and loves us. You wouldn’t believe how surreal this madness is. People tell me they will always stand by me – but they are not you. So please, stay close to me. Don’t go too far.
Shiri, this is the closest I’ve been to you since October 7, and I can’t kiss or hug you – and it’s breaking me.
Shiri, please watch over me. Protect me from bad decisions. Protect me from harm. Protect me from myself. Watch over me so I don’t sink into darkness.
Mishmish, I love you!”
Yarden Dedicated “Hold on To Memories” by Disturbed to Shiri
“Chuki, Be Careful When You Step Off the Cloud”
“Chuki, you made me a father. You made us a family. You taught me what really matters in life and what responsibility means.
The day you were born, I grew up in an instant 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 at me for not being able to protect you as I should have, for not being there for you. I hope you know I thought about you every single day, every single minute.
I hope you’re enjoying heaven. I’m sure you’re making all the angels laugh with your jokes and impressions. I hope there are plenty of butterflies for you to watch, just like you did on our picnics.
Chuki, be careful when you step off the cloud – don’t step on Tony. Teach Kfir all your impressions and make everyone up there laugh.
Ariel, I love you ‘the most in the world, always in the world,’ just as you used to tell us.”
“My Little Fufik”
“Fufik, I never thought our family could be more perfect – and then you came along and made it even more perfect.
I remember your birth. I remember when, in the middle of labor, the midwife suddenly stopped everything, and we panicked. We were scared something had happened, but she just wanted to tell us we had another redhead. Your mother and I laughed and cheered.
You brought even more light and joy into our little home. You arrived with your sweet, infectious smile and laughter – and I was hooked instantly! No one could resist showering you with kisses all the time.
Kfir, I’m sorry I didn’t protect you better, but I need you to know I love you so much, and I miss you terribly!
I miss kissing you and hearing your laughter. I miss our morning games when Mom would ask me to watch you before I left for work. I loved those little moments so much, and now I miss them more than ever.
Kfir, I love you the most in the world, always in the world!”
The Song Yarden Dedicated to His Sons
An Impossible Goodbye
“I have so much more to say to you, but I’ll save it for when we are alone,” Yarden Bibas concluded his eulogy, his words echoing with unbearable pain, leaving an entire nation mourning a tragedy beyond words.
