Yarden Bibas, 35, an Israeli citizen who was kidnapped to the Gaza Strip during the Hamas-led massacres in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, was released from Hamas captivity on Saturday.
On October 7, 2023, Bibas was kidnapped by Hamas and separated from his wife, Shiri, and their two young children, Ariel, then four years old, and Kfir, nine months old at the time.
The status of the other three members of the Bibas family remains unknown, and Israel has been pressing for answers on their condition.
Their family dog, Tonto, was killed during the October 7 attacks.
Bibas family reacts to Yarden's release
“Yarden is home, but the home is missing,” Bibas family members said in a statement following his release. “Yarden is a father who left the shelter to protect his family, bravely survived captivity, and returned to a reality too difficult to bear.”
The family asked the Israeli public to “protect Yarden and his soul.”
“It will take a few days to reconnect with Yarden, but we are continuing with our calls and hopes for the return of Shiri, the children, and all remaining hostages... We will not stop until they are all home.”
Following Bibas’s release from captivity, the kibbutz released a statement that stressed the importance of respecting the “complicated reality” the father has returned to, following 484 days in captivity.
“Uncertainty remains over his family’s fate,” the statement read. “Now, the return of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir is not needed just for the family and community but also for Yarden, who survived. We must help him begin healing.”
Who is Yarden Bibas?
Yarden is a welder by trade. He enjoys music and stand-up comedy, and his family and friends identify him by his sensitive and caring nature, his kind eyes, and his big smile.
He is also described as good-humored.
Footage made public in April proved that Yarden Bibas survived being taken to Gaza, although bloodied from the terrorists’ attacks.
The abduction of the Bibas family
The IDF was able to confirm, after securing footage, that Shiri and her two sons were taken to Gaza alive. After being taken to Khan Yunis on October 7, 2023, they were detained by a terror group by the name of Kataib Mujahadin.
The Bibas children are the youngest among those taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. The Bibas family has become one of the most potent symbols of the hostage ordeal.
Following the footage release, the family said in a statement, "These videos tear our hearts out. Witnessing Shiri, Yarden, Ariel, and Kfir ripped away from their home in Nir Oz into this hellscape feels unbearable and inhumane.
Danielle Greyman-Kennard contributed to this report.