The Israeli mission to the United Nations and the Consulate General of Israel in New York released dozens of orange balloons on Wednesday in memory of Shiri Bibas, and her sons Kfir and Ariel, who were buried earlier in the day in Israel.
“The people of Israel stood united today during the heartbreaking funeral procession of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir, who were brutally murdered by Hamas,” stated Ofir Akunis, consul general of Israel in New York.
“The citizens of Israel will never forget this horrific crime committed by this Nazi-like organization, and we will not rest until Hamas is completely defeated and eradicated from Gaza and until the very last terrorist is gone,” he added.
“The balloons floated symbolically above the U.N. building—a stark reminder of the institution’s failure to formally condemn Hamas’s atrocities on Oct. 7 and its barbaric treatment of hostages, both alive and even when returned in caskets in grotesque ceremonies,” said Jonathan Harounoff, international spokesman for the Israeli U.N. mission.
On this difficult day, the Consulate held a ceremony with a moment of silence and the release of orange balloons to honor those laid to rest in Israel—Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz.
— Israel in New York (@IsraelinNewYork) February 26, 2025
“The people of Israel stood united today during the heartbreaking funeral… pic.twitter.com/8rX0s6RvNz
