"You are my whole world": Yarden Bibas marked his son's 7th birthday

Yarden Bibas marked today (Wednesday) the 7th birthday of his son Ariel, who was murdered in the October 7 massacre. The hostage survivor posted a heartbreaking message on his Instagram account:

"Instead of celebrating your birthday, instead of going with Mom to buy things for your birthday party, I am sitting here next to you. In the only place where I feel closest to you."

According to him, time does not ease the pain and the days do not become easier. "The longing grows from day to day and the feelings of loneliness and absence only intensify. The days pass, the sun still rises every morning and sets every night, and life continues to be empty and without much meaning. Everything enjoyable feels empty and hollow." He further added: "In everything I do, I cannot help but think of you and how it could have been much more enjoyable with you!"

He continued writing with pain:

"I hope you know that I would give up everything for one more small moment with you. Chuki, I cannot lift you on your birthday chair, I also do not get to see you excitedly opening all the gifts you would have received and be excited to see you sharing them with Kfir whom you love so much! But I hope that up in heaven they are lifting you up and celebrating for you!"

In conclusion, he wrote: "I am sure that Mom organized the most beautiful birthday for you that she could, just like we did for you in the kibbutz every year. For me, you will forever be my whole world and every small moment of happiness is thanks to you and for you! I love you more than anything in the world, always and forever." The warm responses were not long in coming, and many comforted the hostage survivor: "The tears cannot stop flowing," "Your words tear the heart and pierce the soul. There are no words in the world that could comfort such longing, a hole, and emptiness."