We publish the translation of the speech read by Yarden Bibas, Shiri’s husband and father of Ariel and Kfir, kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 and died in the Gaza Strip. Today in Israel the funeral of the three hostages of Palestinian terrorists was held in the face of a crowd. Many wore an orange kippah, in memory of the hair of the two brothers killed during the imprisonment.
I remember the first time I told you “I love me“. It was at the beginning of our relationship. You told me to call yourself that only if you were sure you love you, not to say it at random. So I didn’t say it immediately, because I didn’t want me to think I was hurrying to say “I love you”. But, Shiri, now I confess it: even then, when I called you “I love”, I loved you.
Shiri, I love you and I will love you forever!
Shiri, you’re all for me!
You are the best woman and mother there is.
You are my best friend.
Mishmish, who will help me make decisions now? How can I decide without you?
Do you remember our last decision?
In the refuge I asked you: “We fight or give up?”. And you replied: “We fight“. And so I fought.
Shiri, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you. If only I had known what would happen, I wouldn’t have shot.
I think back to everything we have lived together. We have so many wonderful memories. I remember the birth of Ariel And Kfir. I remember the moments when we sat alone at home or in a coffee and talked about everything, without end. It was beautiful. I miss him. I miss you.
I miss your presence terribly.
I would like to tell you everything that is happening in the world and here, in our country.
Shiri, everyone knows us and love us. You can’t imagine how absurd all this is. People tell me they will always be by my side, but they are not you. So, please, stay next to me, don’t go far!
Shiri, this is the moment when I am closer to you since October 7thyet I can’t kiss you or hug you. I break my heart.
Please, shiri, protect me …
Protect me from the wrong decisions. Protect me from everything that is bad. Protect me from myself. Protect me from sinking into darkness.
Mishmish, I love you!
Čuki (Ariel)
You made me father. You have made us a family. You taught me what is really important in life and what it means to be responsible. The day you were born, I matured instantly thanks to you. You taught me so much about myself, and I want to tell you thanks.
Thank you my love.
Ariel, I hope you are not angry with me Because I was unable to protect you as I should and why I wasn’t there for you. I hope you know that I thought of you every day, every minute. I hope you are well in paradise. I am sure you will be making all the angels laugh with your jokes and imitations. I hope there are many butterflies, so you can observe them how you did during our picnics.
Čuki, be careful when you get out of a cloud … don’t step on Tony! Teach Kfir all your imitations and make everyone laugh up there. Ariel, I love you ‘more than everything, forever’, just as you always said to us.
Pufik (Kfir)
I didn’t think our family could be even more perfect. Then you came, and you became even more …
I remember your birth. I remember that, in the middle of the birth, the midwife stopped suddenly. We scared ourselves, fearing something had happened. But he stopped just to say that we had another child with red hair.
Mom and I burst out laughing and rejoicing.
You have brought even more light and happiness to our small house. You arrived with your sweet and contagious smile, and you have conquered me instantly. It was impossible not to pamper you all the time.
Kfir, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you better. But I want you to know that I love you very much and that I miss you terribly. I miss to tighten and feel your laugh. I miss our morning games, when the mother asked me to look after you before going to work.
I loved those little moments. And today I miss more than ever.
Kfir, I love you “more than everything, forever”!
I still have many things to tell you, but I will keep them for when we are alone.
Yarden Bibas, February 26, 2025
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The article “Please, forgive me”. The heartbreaking scream of Yarden, the dad of the Bibas brothers comes from Nicolaportro.it.