In its holiday message, Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital has shared the extraordinary kindness of Yarden Bibas, who suffered an unimaginable tragedy when his wife, Shiri, and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, were kidnapped and later killed in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks.
In the face of heartbreak, Bibas made a powerful choice in donating the toys from the spontaneous Ben-Gurion Airport installation to Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital to bring joy to other children receiving care.
“The toys that were meant for his beloved sons... would not remain unused,” the hospital shared. “Instead, he chose to donate them to our hospital – to bring joy to the children within our walls."
'Every baby born is testament to victory'
Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, the birthplace of the Bibas children, highlighted the strong bond of trust and family linking the hospital to its communities. It depicted Bibas’s gesture as a powerful embodiment of Passover themes: resilience, renewal, and discovering light amid darkness.
“Passover teaches us about overcoming hardship and emerging stronger, about carrying forward the light even in the darkest of times,” the statement read.
“Yarden’s decision is a testament to this very lesson. It is a reminder that even in grief, we have the power to bring comfort. Even in sorrow, we can create hope.”
The hospital reiterated its dedication to healing – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. “Every act of kindness ripples outward, strengthening our people, our community, and our future,” the statement said.
Closing with a heartfelt holiday message, the hospital wished all Israelis a meaningful Passover: “May this holiday bring you and your loved ones health, peace, and the knowledge that together, we will always find a way to turn pain into purpose, loss into legacy, and despair into hope.”
This article was written in cooperation with Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital.