The family of Yarden Bibas, whose heartbreaking story has touched many throughout Israel, has set out on the path to recovery with the launch of a crowdfunding campaign to help with his rehabilitation after being released from captivity. Launched on March 16, 2025, this initiative aims to support Yarden as he rebuilds his life following his harrowing experience of 16 months as a hostage.
Yarden Bibas was kidnapped separately from his wife Shiri and their two young children, Ariel and Kfir, during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Tragically, both Ariel, age 4, and Kfir, aged nine months, were murdered during the ordeal, with Yarden learning of their deaths through false claims made by his captors. While Hamas initially told him his family had been killed by Israeli airstrikes, forensic evidence later revealed the children were murdered at the end of November or early December 2023.
Yarden’s sister, Ofri Bibas-Levi, shared her concerns about her brother's mental state, expressing, "When I saw Yarden in a video released by Hamas informing him about his family's death, I thought, ‘That's it, I've lost my brother.’” The impacts of captivity and loss weigh heavily on Yarden, as he struggles with his grief and the reality of resuming life without his family. "Even during the captivity, he chose life. Alongside the immense pain, he decided he wanted to live,” Ofri emphasized, underlining the resilience shown by her brother.
The crowdfunding campaign, managed by the Lehosheet Yad (Lend a Hand) foundation, has set its goal at NIS 5 million (approximately $1,370,500). Within mere hours of its launch, the campaign garnered significant momentum, receiving nearly 60% of its goal through the donations of over 14,700 supporters. A heartfelt message from Yarden’s father, Eli Bibas, encapsulated the dire circumstances facing Yarden, stating, “Yarden lost his whole world – now we are here for him.”
Further highlighting Yarden’s suffering, Eli Bibas conveyed, "Yarden was released and only then did he discover the full extent of his loss. He lost his family and home, and now, we are trying to help him rebuild his life physically, mentally, and financially.” The family stresses the necessity of this financial aid, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges Yarden faces as he navigates this complex healing process.
Ofri Bibas-Levi also articulated the family's intention to memorialize Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir by ensuring they are remembered for their joyful lives, stating, “It’s important for us to memorialize their memories by doing good for others, especially children.” This approach resonates with the family’s desire to create something positive out of their tragedy.
The family has raised awareness of continuing issues surrounding hostages and their reintegration, with Yarden's experience amplifying the desperate need for support among those affected by such crises. Currently, returning hostages receive state assistance including monthly stipends ranging between NIS 8,300 to NIS 9,150 (approximately $2,275 to $2,500), alongside grants and prepaid cards to support their transition. Despite this, many families argue these provisions are inadequate for total reestablishment of their lives.
The recent campaign echoes similar efforts made by other families who have also turned to crowdfunding to secure financial support, such as the family of Eli Sharabi, another hostage. The need for community assistance remains prevalent, particularly for victims like Yarden who lost almost everything, including their loved ones.
Yarden was released on February 1, 2025, after the Israeli government negotiated with Hamas, concluding with the return of 33 women, children, and those deemed humanitarian cases, alongside the tragic return of Yarden’s family remains two weeks later. Despite being back on Israeli soil, Yarden’s recovery is merely beginning. He has been welcomed back with our community's love and support, indicating their commitment to help him heal.
Ofri noted their active efforts to establish social connections and support systems for Yarden as he navigates everyday life, mentioning occasions where Yarden connects with others, listens to music, and maintains the importance of being around friends and family. "His humor, even if dark, is part of his coping mechanism," she said, inferring how the family shares moments of laughter together.
“Yarden isn’t asking for anything for himself. We ask for it on his behalf,” Ofri conveyed, criticizing the limitations of governmental support programs. She denounced the hesitations of officials to fully advocate for returning hostages, reflecting the wider public's frustration with the prolonged crisis and the emotional scars it leaves behind.
From Yarden’s recovery story, the conversation surrounding hostage situations, support, and healing journeys gains vitality, shedding light on the challenges many face as they seek to piece life back together after unimaginable trauma.
To support Yarden Bibas as he strives to find his footing and honor his family's memory, the public is invited to contribute through the family’s crowdfunding page. This effort symbolizes hope, resilience, and the community’s determination to surround this family with the love and support they desperately need on the road to recovery.