Many who followed the caravan with black cars that drove through the Israeli city of Rishon LeZion had a hard time holding back tears. Large quantities of flags, posters, and orange balloons were seen in the crowd, where participants had gathered to honor the family who were killed during captivity by Hamas in Gaza.
Shiri Bibas's husband, Yarden Bibas, was also held hostage but was released alive in an exchange a few weeks ago. During the funeral, he apologized for not being able to protect his family during Hamas' attack in October 2023.
Shiri, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you all, he said in his eulogy at the funeral.
The family's bodies were returned last week as part of the ongoing ceasefire's first phase.
The Bibas family is a symbol of everything that has happened to us since October 7, says retired teacher Ayala Schlesinger Avidov, 72.
Many lit candles by the roadside.
The Bibas family has affected us all, in the heart, says Aviv Nahman, 22.
