Ariel Bibas, abducted by Hamas at age four and killed in captivity with his mother and younger brother, would have turned seven on Wednesday. His father marked the day with a heartfelt public tribute to the child he lost.

Born on August 5, 2019, Ariel was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault along with his mother Shiri and infant brother Kfir. The family became global symbols of the hostage crisis due to their distinctive red hair, prompting orange to be adopted worldwide in solidarity.

Yarden Bibas was seized separately in the same attack and freed from captivity in February 2025. He remains the sole survivor of the immediate family.

Yarden Bibas remembers his son Ariel on what would have been his seventh birthday

On the date that would have marked Ariel's seventh birthday, Yarden shared a direct message to his son. “Instead of celebrating your birthday, instead of going with Mom to buy things for your birthday party, I'm sitting here beside you ... In the only place where I feel closest to you,” he wrote.

He noted that time has brought no easing of the pain. “Time isn't doing its thing, and the days aren't becoming any easier. The longing grows stronger day by day, and the feelings of loneliness and absence only intensify.”

Ordinary activities now feel incomplete without his wife and children, he added. “Everything enjoyable feels empty and hollow. In everything I do, I can't help but think about you and how it could have been so much more enjoyable with all of you!”

Recalling past birthday traditions, Yarden wrote: “Chuki, I can't lift you up in your birthday chair, and I also don't get to see you excitedly open all the presents you would have received.”

He closed by hoping Ariel was being celebrated elsewhere. “But I hope that up in heaven they're lifting you up and celebrating your birthday! I'm sure Mom arranged the most beautiful birthday she could for you, just like we did for you at the kibbutz every year.”

Organizations including the American Jewish Committee also paid tribute to Ariel, recalling the young life ended by captivity and murder.