FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2025
Below please find a statement from Joy Sisisky, President and CEO of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund about the return of hostages’ bodies to Israel:
“We are outraged and disgusted at Hamas’ cruel psychological warfare against the Bibas family, the people of Israel, and Jews worldwide. There are no words for our horror at learning that Shiri Bibas was not returned to Israel with the bodies of her children.
“For more than 16 months, we hoped against hope that this beautiful family would survive and be reunited. Our hearts break for their father, Yarden, who has endured torment beyond imagination. We also grieve alongside the family of Oded Lifshitz whose body was returned on Thursday. May the memories of Ariel, Kfir, and Oded be forever a blessing.
“We hope to see six more Israelis coming home tomorrow, and we will rejoice with their families even through our grief. We join the civilized world in demanding that Hamas account for Shiri Bibas, and we pray with all our heart to soon see all the other hostages return to Israel.”
ABOUT JEWISH COMMUNITY FEDERATION AND ENDOWMENT FUND
For over a century, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund has harnessed innovation, collaboration, and investment to shape diverse and dynamic Bay Area Jewish communities where people find a meaningful connection to Judaism and one another; and where we work together to better lives and communities locally, in Israel, and around the world. Learn more at jewishfed.org.
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