TEL AVIV, Israel — On Monday, hundreds of Israelis gathered to release orange balloons into the sky to commemorate the fifth birthday of Ariel Bibas, one of two children currently being held captive in the Gaza Strip by militants. Ariel, along with his 1-year-old brother Kfir, have become symbols of the ongoing struggle to secure the release of hostages, with the orange balloons representing the boys’ distinctive red hair.
Israeli authorities reported that during an attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, approximately 1,200 individuals were killed and around 250 people were taken hostage. Out of the 110 individuals still being held captive, the Bibas boys are the only children. Despite reports that more than a third of the remaining hostages have passed away, Israel does not include the Bibas boys in that count.
A cousin of Ariel’s father, Yarden, expressed disbelief at marking Ariel’s fifth birthday while he remains in captivity, almost a year after being kidnapped. The family previously marked Kfir’s first birthday in January, which they referred to as “the saddest birthday in the world.” There is a recognition of the significant differences in how a child like Ariel perceives the situation compared to a baby like Kfir.
Supporters gathered in Tel Aviv on Monday, marching with images of Ariel dressed as Batman, as he was fond of the superhero. His love for superheroes, especially Batman, was highlighted by his relatives, who shared memories of Ariel’s joyful moments before his abduction. Ariel’s grandmother, Pnina Bibas, mentioned how symbolic orange has become to represent her family during this challenging time, as the fruits Ariel loved, such as loquats and kumquats, had matured during his captivity.
The Bibas family’s ordeal has garnered widespread attention in Israel, with many showing solidarity by wearing orange in support of Ariel’s birthday. Despite the distressing circumstances surrounding the captivity of the children and their parents, the community continues to rally for their safe return.
