“Bibas Initiative”
Today (Wednesday), members of the Bibas family, accompanied by volunteers from the Simcha Toys organization, paid a deeply moving visit to the pediatric ward at Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital. During the visit, they handed out gifts to the hospitalized children.
Kfir and Ariel Bibas were both born at Assuta Ashdod, and the family’s connection to the hospital has remained strong over the years. The family chose to return today, marking the birthday of Ariel hy”d, who was born there six years ago.
An Act of Humanity and Nobility
Dr. Yoni Yeshayahu, head of the pediatric department at Assuta Ashdod, shared: “Today we stand united with the Bibas family. Words cannot describe the power of this moment—a family arriving on such an emotionally charged day and choosing to turn it into one of giving, love, and comfort for others. Kfir and Ariel were born here, and we remember them as if they were part of us. Our hearts are entirely with them, and full of pride in this noble and humane act they chose to do.”
Among those leading the visit were Shiri Bibas’s relatives, including cousins Yossi Schneider and Jimmy Miller, uncle Mauricio Schneider, aunt Debi Sagie, and sister Dana Silverman Siton. They were joined by the nursing and medical staff of the children’s department, who were as moved as the children themselves.
“A Mischievous and Loving Child”
Ariel Bibas z”l would have turned six yesterday (Tuesday). The Bibas family and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum marked Ariel’s first birthday in his absence with heartfelt posts on social media.
“First birthday without Ariel. Close your eyes and think of Ariel’s sweet smile and all the memories,” the Bibas family posted on the Instagram page Remember Bibas.
“Ariel was a mischievous and loving child, with a smile that melted the heart of anyone who met him. We love you and miss you, Luli,” they wrote.
The family invited followers to light a candle or release an orange balloon and take a moment to create a good moment with someone close—“Send a message, give a hug, offer help to someone,” they wrote.
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“Ariel Will Forever Be Just Over 4”
“A 6th birthday is usually a celebration,” wrote the Hostages and Missing Families Forum page. “When a child celebrates their 6th birthday in August, it also marks a major transition from kindergarten to first grade. Ariel Bibas will not celebrate his 6th birthday today and will not get to start first grade. Ariel will forever be just over 4… always in our hearts.”
Ariel adored the superhero Batman, who has since become a symbol closely associated with the family. The Forum shared a cartoon image of Batman crying beside a cake with a number 6 candle.
“I Couldn’t Protect You the Way I Should Have”
The Bibas family was kidnapped by terrorists to Gaza on October 7. The mother, Shiri, and her two sons were brutally murdered weeks later. The father, Yarden, who was held hostage for many months, was released during the fourth phase of the hostage deal earlier this year.
“Ariel, I hope you’re not angry at me for not being able to protect you the way I should have,” said Yarden Bibas in a eulogy at his son’s grave. “I hope you know I thought about you every single day.”
