Vigil held at Golzheim's synagogue in Dusseldorf in memory of slain hostages
In a sombre gathering on Paul-Spiegel-Platz in front of the synagogue, the Jewish community came together on Thursday evening to mourn the loss of Shiri Bibas and her children, Ariel and Kfir, who were tragically abducted during the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023.
The four hostages, also including Oded Lifshitz, were handed over by Hamas in a city in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday morning. However, the tragic news was tainted with uncertainty as the female body found did not belong to Shiri Bibas, but to an unknown person.
Yarden, the father of Ariel, Kfir, and Shiri, was released about three weeks ago after being held captive separately from his family. Now, he can only receive the bodies of his family, leaving the community in a state of despair.
A large poster with a mocking depiction of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was displayed behind the coffins, adding to the already heavy atmosphere. The vigil was attended by over a hundred people, who brought candles and flowers to pay their respects.
As the vigil began, candles were lit and flowers were laid down. Balloons were released as a final farewell for the children, their innocence symbolised by the floating orbs in the rain-soaked night. Masked and armed Hamas fighters were present beside the coffins, a stark reminder of the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking event.
Photos of the vigil were taken by Karina Hermsen, capturing the raw emotions of the crowd. The vigil mirrored the mood of the people, sombre and reflective, as they stood before the synagogue in the rain.
The Jewish community called for the vigil, coming together to support each other in this difficult time. The identity of the unknown deceased person, whose body Israeli forensic experts are reported to recognise, is not yet revealed in the provided search results.
Our thoughts are with Yarden and the entire community during this difficult time. May they find strength and comfort in the memories of their loved ones and the support of their community.
