France dresses in orange to honor Bibas family

France dressed itself in orange last Wednesday to pay homage to three members of the Bibas family – Shiri Ariel and Kfir, a mother and her two young children who were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists after being kidnapped from their home on Oct. 7, 2023.

On Feb. 26, the day of the Bibas family’s funeral in Israel, French citizens showed their support by wearing clothing, scarves, and hats in orange. At gatherings held across the nation in their honor, people carried flags, balloons, and stuffed toys in the same bright hue – a color that has become synonymous with the Bibas family due to their distinct hair color

Some French government buildings were illuminated in orange in a show of solidarity, including city hall buildings in Strasbourg and Nice and the Palais de Justice in Lyon. In addition, at least 52 city hall facilities across France paid tribute to the former hostages with displays of orange.

“With this tribute, Lyon joins the global movement which, through the illumination of emblematic monuments, recalls the memory of the victims of terrorism and expresses unwavering solidarity with their families. This symbolic gesture is a reminder of our unwavering commitment against barbarity and oblivion," read the press release from the CRIF (the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France), specifically the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes chapter.

In the city of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Paris City Hall building and the National Assembly were all illuminated in orange to honor Shiri (32 years), Ariel (4 years old), and Kfir (9 months).

French National Assembly Spokesperson Julien Odoul wrote on his 𝕏 account, calling for the Assembly building to be lit up “in memory of the Bibas family, all victims of Islamic terrorism, and the hostages of Hamas.” He also emphasized that France, as a nation, stands “united around our values and the fight against anti-Semitism.” His post concluded with two side-by-side emojis: the French and Israeli flags.

In several cities, large gatherings were held to honor the memory of the Bibas family and the other October 7th hostages. On Wednesday in Paris, thousands gathered on the Esplanade of the Trocadéro, releasing orange balloons into the sky while singing HaTikvah, the national anthem of Israel, as reported by France Info.

In Marseille, just hours after the funeral in Israel, more than 1,600 people gathered in front of the orange-lit Vélodrome to pay their last respects to the Bibas family. The gathering featured several moving moments, including a video tribute to Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir; a children's choir performing "Habaita" in support of the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas; and the reading of the letter Yarden Bibas wrote upon his release in early February, pleading for the safe return of his beloved wife and children.

Yarden was also in Hamas captivity until his release in early February. He was abducted separately from his wife and children. When his village, Nir Oz, was attacked, Yarden went out with several of the men to help defend the community, and was not at home when terrorists entered the home and abducted Shiri and the boys into Gaza.

Martine Vassal, president of the Marseille Metropole, wrote on her 𝕏 account: “Our hearts speak tonight in Marseille. Marseille pays tribute to Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, victims of Hamas' barbarity. They leave behind a husband, a father, Yarden. Let's stay united and not close our eyes to the accomplices of this hatred.”

Marseille-Provence CRIF President Fabienne Bendayan stated, “Today is a day of mourning. It is a day that touches our hearts. For that reason, it is important that Marseille come together to honor their memory. [The fallen hostages] are victims of barbarity, of cruelty, and today it is a message of solidarity that we must carry - to say that humanity will not be erased, that we stand in solidarity with the victims.”

She concluded by stating, “Today, our hearts speak a language that no speech can translate.”

There are no words, indeed.

However, according to Victoria Attia, a Marseille native who attended the gathering in front of the Vélodrome, there were many tears. She recounted crying all day long due to the solemn images that diffused worldwide from the funeral in Israel.

“It’s terrible, unbearable. We are a small people but a big family,” she said.

France was not alone in showing support for the Bibas family; an outpouring of love for Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir came from around the world. And the message to husband and father Yarden is clear: Your big family just got even bigger. Concerned people from a myriad of backgrounds, from cities all over the world, are standing with you in simple but unwavering solidarity.