An Israeli citizen who was kidnapped by Hamas during a massacre in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has been released from captivity after being held for 484 days. Yarden Bibas, 35, was taken along with his wife Shiri and their two young children, Ariel and Kfir, before being separated from them.
The status of the other three members of the Bibas family remains unknown, and Israel has been seeking answers about their condition. The family’s dog, Tonto, was killed during the October 7 attacks.
Following Bibas’ release, his family expressed relief but also acknowledged the difficulty they will face in reconnecting with him. “Yarden is home, but the home is missing,” they said in a statement. “We are continuing to call for the safe return of Shiri, Ariel, Kfir, and all remaining hostages.”
The Israeli kibbutz where Bibas lived released a statement emphasizing the importance of respecting the complex reality he has returned to after his ordeal. The statement urged respect for Bibas’ emotional journey as he begins to heal from his 484-day captivity.
Bibas is described as a kind and caring person who enjoys music and stand-up comedy. Footage of him, released in April, showed that he survived the kidnapping attempt. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Shiri and her children were taken alive, but their current whereabouts remain unknown.
The Bibas family has become a symbol of hope for hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attacks. Despite uncertainty surrounding his family’s fate, Bibas’ release brings some relief to the family and the international community.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-840108