Funeral procession for Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas begins in Rishon Lezion

The family requested for only invited guests to be at the funeral, however, the general public has been invited to stand along the roads with Israeli flags.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF FEBRUARY 26, 2025 07:43 Updated: FEBRUARY 26, 2025 08:24

People gather in Rishon Lezion for the beginning of the funeral procession of the Bibas family (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)

Crowds lined the streets of Rishon Lezion on Wednesday to accompany murdered hostages Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas on their final journey. 

It was requested by the family that only invited guests would be allowed to attend the funeral service; however, the general public has been invited to stand along the roads with Israeli flags.

Orange balloons, which had become synonymous with advocacy on behalf of the Bibas infant hostages due to their orange hair, were seen, as well as Israeli flags during the beginning of the funeral procession in Rishon Lezion. Some people were also seen bowing their heads as the vans carrying the Bibas family drove past.

President's Residence lights up in Orange

The President's Residence in Jerusalem was lit up in orange in memory of the Bibas family.

The President's Residence illuminates in orange in memory of the Bibas family (credit: The President’s Office/Courtesy)

"Today, after 509 days, Shiri and her young children are finally being laid to rest with dignity in Israel," The President's Office announced in a statement. "At this moment, as the people of Israel grieve and bow their heads in sorrow, the President's Resident mourns with Yarden and the Bibas family.

"While an entire nation prayed and hoped for a different outcome, we are left wounded and in pain. Yet, even in our grief, we will continue to pray for better days and for the swift return of all the remaining hostages still held in Gaza."

Kidnapping of the Bibas family

On October 7, Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir, along with their father, Yarden Bibas, were abducted by terrorists from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Kfir was nine months old, and Ariel was four years old at the time.

Last week, the IDF confirmed the two brothers had been murdered by terrorists in Gaza captivity.

On Saturday, Shiri's body was returned from Gaza after the body Hamas had initially transferred to Israel was not hers.

Their father, Yarden, was released from Hamas captivity on February 1 as part of the hostage-ceasefire deal.