In an emotional storm, certain figures emerge as anchors. Ariel and Kfir Bibas embody this collective pain, giving form to trauma that would otherwise remain a formless cloud of anxiety and shock. Their recognizable image allows the mind to avoid slipping into an impalpable void and instead begin to process the loss.

On Friday morning, the boys’ aunt posted a grieving message on Facebook, vowing, “We are not giving up on your mom, Shiri.”

Hamas had earlier sent a Palestinian woman's body to Israel, claiming it was the remains of Shiri Bibas. Upons returing the actual remains of the Israeli hostage, officials said the woman was killed i