In a poignant gathering at Sunny Hill Park today, hundreds of supporters came together to honour what should have been the joyous occasion of Ariel Bibas’s 5th birthday. The event, organised by The Hostages & Missing Hostage Forum UK and Stop The Hate UK, was both a celebration and a solemn reminder of Ariel’s ongoing captivity. Ariel, along with his family, was kidnapped by Hamas over ten months ago, and this event aims to keep their plight in the public consciousness.
Amidst colourful balloons and the laughter of children enjoying cupcakes, face painting, glitter art, and arts and crafts, the park was transformed into a vibrant tribute to Ariel’s favourite superhero, Batman. Many attendees, both children and adults, wore Batman T-shirts, masks, and capes to show their support for Ariel and his family.
Israeli artist Benzi Brockman captivated the audience with live art, creating a stunning portrait of Ariel with a birthday cake and the number 5, symbolising hope and the community’s unwavering support.
Reverend Hayley Ace, speaking on behalf of Stop The Hate UK, emphasised the urgency of remembering Ariel and his family. “It is unthinkable that the world is remaining almost entirely silent on the brutal kidnapping of an entire family,” she stated. “We will not allow Ariel and his family to be forgotten. We invite all compassionate individuals to join us in calling for their return and raising awareness of their plight.”
The Bibas family’s tragic story remains a source of heartbreak and frustration, as efforts to secure their release continue without any updates on their safety. In a moving statement, Dr. Haya Langerman, a volunteer with Stop The Hate UK, declared, “Today, we marked the 5th birthday of Ariel Bibas, who remains a captive of Hamas. Nine months have passed, and the world seems to be forgetting about Ariel. But how can we accept a reality where a child is denied the simple joy of celebrating his birthday in freedom? We must act now—no more waiting, no more silence. Ariel and his family deserve to come home. If Ariel could make a birthday wish, it would be for his freedom. This is the wish the world needs to hear and act upon now.”
The event’s organisers stress the importance of international awareness and action to bring Ariel and his family home. Attendees were reminded of the significant impact of their voices and encouraged to continue advocating for justice and freedom.
The event not only celebrated the spirit of a young boy but also serves as a call to action for all who cherish freedom and justice.
Join us in our efforts to ensure that Ariel’s story is heard and that his birthday wish for freedom is realised #batman4bibas
