A heartfelt gathering in Chase Park for Israel’s Bibas family

SPECIAL THANKS TO RUTH BERKOWITZ, GWEN HORN, AND MEREDITH MARGOLIS LEVY

It was the tragedy heard ‘round the world: Last week, the bodies of Israeli mother Shiri Bibas and her sons Ariel and Kfir were returned to Israel by Hamas—but not before the masked militants paraded the coffins past a delighted crowd. On last Wednesday evening, a very different crowd gathered in Chase Park: One determined to share their grief and outrage, while honoring the lives of the slain woman and her children.

Many people wore orange or carried orange balloons, symbolizing Ariel and Kfir’s adorable red hair. Others carried pro-Israel signs and photos of the Bibases and Israeli hostages. An organizer announced there would be no official program, just a chance for people to come together, show their support for one another, and share their thoughts. He lamented the world’s resounding silence in response to the atrocity. Although many institutions and organizations have abandoned the Jewish people, he observed, community members can stand together. The organizer shared that he has a baby of his own, and wondered aloud how anyone could be so cruel to a vulnerable and defenseless child.

He added a particularly wrenching anecdote: He used to be a dialect coach, and someone recently found his old website and asked for his assistance. They had been in the U.S. for a long time and were of an advanced age. Why, then, would this person have suddenly wanted speech lessons? It turned out they had an Israeli accent, and no longer felt safe in our country because of it. Some 10 to 20 other speakers followed, among them a teen whose friend was killed in the Hamas attack of October 7th, 2023. “It was an impromptu outpouring of heartache,” said resident Gwen Horn.

As the sunlight faded, mourners released their orange balloons: Hopefully, Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir were looking down from above.