‘I’m Sorry I Couldn’t Protect You All’

Stand for Israel  |  February 26, 2025

In his unfathomable grief, Yarden Bibas – husband of Shiri, father of little Ariel and Kfir, Israeli hostages who were brutally murdered by Hamas – delivered this heartbreaking, deeply affecting eulogy for his slain family members:

“[Shiri] I think about everything we went through together—there are so many beautiful memories. I remember Ariel and Kfir’s births. I remember the days we would sit at home or in a café, just the two of us, talking for hours about everything under the sun. It was wonderful. I miss those times deeply. Your presence is profoundly missed.

“I want to tell you about everything that’s happening in the world and here in Israel. Shiri, everyone knows and loves us — you can’t imagine how surreal all this madness is. Shiri, people tell me they’ll always be by my side, but they’re not you. So please stay close to me and don’t go far!”

When our words seem so insufficient to comfort those who mourn, thank God that we have the gift of His Word – unchanging, eternal, and imbued with His everlasting promise. May all those who sow with tears, like Yarden Bibas, one day reap an abundant harvest of joy.

Those who sow with tears

    will reap with songs of joy.

Those who go out weeping,

    carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

    carrying sheaves with them.

Psalm 126:5-6