JCRC Statement
February 20, 2025
The following is a statement from Ron Halber, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington.
“Our hearts are shattered today. No words can fully convey the depth of our grief and anger over the senseless murders of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, their mother Shiri Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz. We pray today especially for Yarden Bibas, who is suffering unimaginable trauma after surviving his own ordeal for 484 days in Hamas captivity.
"We call on people around the world to bear witness to the utter depravity of Hamas — for launching an unprovoked and horrific terrorist attack on thousands of innocent people, for intentionally abducting and killing babies and children, for parading dead bodies and coffins in the streets, and for forcing their own people into the frontlines of a devastating war. Few people in history have displayed such stunning degrees of inhumanity, but that is the hallmark of a group that exists solely to eradicate Israel, kill and torture Jews, and cruelly mistreat Palestinians.
"In this moment, even amid our rage, the memories of Ariel, Kfir, Shiri, and Oded guide us to seek out light rather than succumb to darkness. We demand freedom for all those who remain imprisoned by Hamas, a permanent end to Hamas’ cruel reign in Gaza, and a lasting peace in a region where millions of innocent people have known bloodshed for too long.
"Throughout our history, Jewish people have had the strength and resolve to search for hope even when it feels like all hope is gone. Today is another such moment. For all the families that have been decimated by this brutal war, we will continue to pray and work for the peace they deserve. And may the entire Bibas and Lifschitz families be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”