The World Jewish Congress condemns Hamas’s latest act of inhumanity following the return of the bodies of four Israeli hostages: Shiri Bibas (32), her two young sons Kfir (9 months) and Ariel (4), and retired journalist and peace-activist Oded Lifshitz (83). Their bodies were handed over to the Red Cross today after Hamas paraded them in Gaza in a shocking display of cruelty and propaganda.
Hamas’s treatment of these victims in death is as abhorrent as their treatment in life. The terror group labeled each casket with 'Date of arrest: October 7'—a blatant distortion of the truth. These innocent civilians were not arrested; they were violently kidnapped from their homes during Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and murdered in captivity.
The staged transfer of their bodies, carried out before crowds, was a grotesque attempt to manipulate public perception. Hamas continues to dehumanize hostages, using them and their families as tools in its propaganda war, further demonstrating its complete disregard for human dignity.
The deaths will forever remain a source of deep grief and outrage within Israel and the Jewish world.
Statement from WJC President Ronald S. Lauder:
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder issued the following statement:
We knew this moment would come, but that does not make it any less agonizing. The images of caskets being paraded in Gaza this morning are searing proof of Hamas’ brutality and the depths of its inhumanity.
While Israel is forced to release convicted terrorists – many who have taken innocent lives – Hamas is returning bodies, including those of babies. No deal can obscure this reality. Hamas is not a political movement. It is not a resistance group. It is a death cult, driven by a singular mission: the destruction of Israel and the annihilation of Jews. Every time Hamas shows its cloaked faces, it becomes clearer that there can be no future for Israelis, Palestinians or anyone in the Middle East as long as Hamas persists.
In all of my travels and meetings with world leaders, there is one common refrain: No one wishes to provide Hamas with a safe haven. No responsible government, no serious diplomat, no leader who values human life can see what we have seen and argue otherwise. The world cannot look away. This is a defining moral test of our time.
Israel is once again making an unbearable sacrifice because it values life – even in death. This is the price it has paid time and again, but it must be the last time. There is no future with Hamas. Only once it is gone can all people in the region hope to build something better.
As we mourn Ariel, Kfir, Shiri and Oded, we must channel our grief into action. Every remaining hostage must be brought home – immediately. The urgency could not be greater, and the responsibility falls on all of us who refuse to let Hamas’ reign of terror continue.
Amb. Lauder meet with leaders from numerous countries on the sidelines of last week’s Munich Security Conference. He also traveled to Cairo where he met Egyptian President Sisi, and to Amman where he met with King Abdullah and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to bring about a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
World Leaders React:
U.S. Ambassador-Designate to the United Nations Elise Stefanik: "The hearts of the world break to learn of the horrific fate of Shiri Bibas, Ariel Bibas, Kfri Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz. The world must never forget that Hamas terrorists savagely murdered over 1,200 innocent civilians including women, children, babies, and the elderly and took hundreds hostage committing unspeakable atrocities against humanity on October 7th.
As we learn more about the tragic fates and devastating loss of life of these innocent victims, we are reminded that this must not be Israel’s fight alone but a fight between good and evil, civilization and barbarity. It has never been more important to show our unequivocal support for our most precious ally and it is clear that under President Trump’s leadership, America stands steadfast in support of Israel and the Jewish people. And we will not rest until every hostage is brought home."
French President Emmanuel Macron: "Shiri. Kfir. Ariel. Faces of innocence and love. Faces of an eternal humanity that the barbarity of Hamas will never abolish. France, mobilized for the release of all hostages, stands alongside Yarden and the Bibas family. In universal brotherhood."
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk: "Under international law, any handover of the remains of deceased must comply with the prohibition of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, ensuring respect for the dignity of the deceased and their families."
What Comes Next?
Hamas is scheduled to release six living Israeli hostages on Saturday as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, which has already seen the exchange of several hostages and prisoners. The upcoming release is expected to include individuals who have been held captive since the October 7, 2023, attacks as well as two individuals who were taken captive earlier. In return, Israel has agreed to allow heavy equipment into Gaza and continue the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Additionally, Hamas has expressed readiness to release all remaining hostages in a single exchange if Israel agrees to a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. These terms are currently under negotiation as both parties work towards a more comprehensive resolution.
It's important to note that the situation remains fluid, and previous agreements have experienced delays and complications.
