Some 100 people, including Yinam Cohen, consul general of Israel to the Midwest, participated in an event in Deerfield, Ill., on Feb. 23 honoring Shiri Bibas and her children, Ariel and Kfir, who were killed in captivity by Hamas in Gaza in November 2023 and whose bodies Israel recently redeemed.
“The brutal murder of Ariel, Kfir and Shiri Bibas has shaken us all—both as Israelis and as Jews in America,” Cohen told JNS. “Their loss is a stark reminder of Hamas’s cruelty and the urgent reality that time is running out for the remaining 63 hostages.”
The event, which included a rally and a short, communal walk, was organized by Run for Their Lives, which began in the San Francisco area and which, per its site, has 230 chapters globally. The group also works with the Hostage and Missing Families Forum.
“Activists like Run for Their Lives have marched every week for months, ensuring the hostages remain a priority,” Cohen told JNS. “Their dedication has made a difference.”
The diplomat added that “in these difficult times,” he takes “comfort in the unwavering support” of the community.
He also told JNS that he hopes for the safe and immediate return of all the hostages.
“I hope the coming weeks bring the release of all who remain in captivity, bringing long-overdue relief to their families, friends and supporters,” he said. “We will continue to fight for the immediate release of all of our hostages, who were taken captive by Hamas over 500 days ago.”
Per the group’s site, “we run or walk on their behalf because they can’t—and to act before it’s too late.”
Today, we stood with our community in sorrow, remembering Ariel, Kfir, and Shiri Bibas, as well as Oded Lifshitz, whose remains were returned to Israel this week after 500 days in captivity. In this moment of deep pain and grief, we are united in our demand: bring all the… pic.twitter.com/NZGRzF15N8
— ינעם כהן Yinam Cohen (@YinamCohen) February 23, 2025
