The tragic loss of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Kfir and Ariel, after months of captivity in Gaza has devastated Jewish communities worldwide. But the pain deepened further when, during the recent prisoner exchange, Hamas failed to return Shiri’s body, instead delivering an unidentified corpse.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that Kfir and Ariel were murdered in captivity in November along with fellow hostage Oded Lifshitz—but now, Shiri’s whereabouts remain unknown.
As Israel reels from this horrific betrayal, many in St. Louis are looking for ways to process their grief, connect and stand together.
On Sunday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m., community members Stephanie Gross and Dafna Revah are inviting the St. Louis Jewish community to Shaw Park (27 S. Brentwood Blvd.) in Clayton for “Together in Light: Honoring the Hostages,” a simple candlelight gathering focused on solidarity and support.
A gathering born from a need for unity
For Revah, this gathering is deeply personal.
“This gathering was born from a need for unity, support and collective strength,” she said. “In times of hardship, we must come together to uplift one another. I’ve heard from so many people, myself included, that we are craving a space to stand in solidarity, to honor the hostages—both those who have returned and those who are no longer with us—and to pray for those still in captivity. This event is about remembrance, resilience and hope. Now more than ever, we need to be together.”
For Gross, the gathering isn’t about politics or formalities—it’s about community.
“People need a safe space to process everything that’s happening—not just with the Bibas family, but all of it,” Gross shared. “It would be meaningful to come together regardless of affiliations, political views or level of religiosity, simply to be a community.”
A simple but powerful act of solidarity
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own candles, though some will be provided. While prayers and reflections will be available, the gathering itself is meant to be quiet and reflective—no speeches, no structured program, just an opportunity to stand together.
“Some of the hostages have returned home, while others have been returned to us in death and far too many remain in captivity,” Revah said. “We gather to honor them all, to remember and to pray. I hope that everyone who comes feels a deep sense of connection, of not being alone in their pain or their prayers. I want people to leave with a renewed sense of support, of hope and of the unbreakable spirit of Am Yisrael Chai.”
A lifetime of bringing people together
For Revah, this isn’t the first time she’s taken action to unite the Jewish community. From organizing Shabbat gatherings to bringing the Eden Golan concert to St. Louis last month, she has long been dedicated to fostering connection.
“I feel compelled to unite people because it’s woven into my history,” she explained. “My family has been in the diaspora for generations and their grit and determination to survive is instilled in me. But survival isn’t enough—we must also thrive. The only way to do that is to see the light, be the light and strengthen one another.”
Ensuring a safe and secure gathering
The organizers have coordinated with Clayton police, ensuring safety measures are in place.
“Community Security will be present and is working with Clayton Police to ensure a safe event,” said Scott Biondo, community security director at Jewish Federation of St. Louis.
Event details:
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025
4 p.m.
Shaw Park, 27 S Brentwood Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105
️ Candles provided or bring your own
For more updates on this and other community events, visit St. Louis Jewish Light.
