'Saddest birthday in the world': Israel's Kfir Bibas turns 1 in Hamas captivity

On Thursday, January 18, Kfir Bibas turned one, but it was a sad day for him as he remains stuck in the captivity of Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Kfir, along with his family, was taken by Hamas on October 7. Jimmy Miller, Kfir’s relative, called it “the saddest birthday in the world.” To draw attention to Kfir’s situation, a gathering is planned in Tel Aviv on Thursday at 3 p.m. Major children’s entertainers will join the event to help tell Kfir’s story and raise awareness about his family’s tough situation. A special song titled “They Call Me Gingi” has been released for Kfir’s birthday. It’s a way for entertainers, relatives, and Jimmy Miller to show support and ask for help to bring Kfir and his family back home. The community in Kibbutz Nir Oz tried to make Kfir’s birthday special by organising a birthday party with balloons and a cake, but it felt incomplete without Kfir, his brother Ariel, and their parents, Shiri and Yarden. The Bibas family’s troubles began on October 7 when they were taken from their home during a difficult time in southern Israel. Yarden, Kfir’s dad, was taken separately and faced violence during the journey to Gaza. Despite hopes of their release in November, the family is still captive. Hamas initially said another group was holding Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir. Later, they claimed the family was killed in an airstrike by Israel. However, the Israeli Defense Forces said these claims were not true and were just meant to cause fear. Kfir’s first birthday in Gaza has left his family feeling sad and helpless. Jimmy Miller shared, “We met with everyone, with actors, famous people, thinkers, and they all hug us and listen to the story with empathy, but we don’t feel that anyone’s doing anything.” The situation has affected not only Kfir’s immediate family but also the wider community. Shiri’s parents were tragically killed on the day of the abduction. Jimmy Miller, who last saw his cousin during a festival in May, explained how the family has become vocal about the need to bring the hostages, including Kfir’s family, back home. Even though they’ve been speaking out for 103 days, progress has been slow. Jimmy Miller expressed concern, saying, “The hostages will not survive if there is no deal.” The family is urging the world to understand the seriousness of their situation and join them in asking for help to bring their loved ones back.