"With this painting, I am taking you with me back to Gaza, to the darkest place on earth," Yarden Bibas said of his work that is exhibited at the Ben Gurion International Airport along with other artwork from hostages who were released from Hamas captivity.
Butterflies symbolize my sweet Ariel, together with the beloved Shiri and Kfir," Yarden Bibas wrote about his painting, which he called Freedom and Love. "Butterflies also symbolize freedom, air, and sunlight. These are symbols of independence. The freedom for me is in the ability to create again, to work with my hands, as I had done before everything happened," he wrote.
4 View gallery
Yarden Bibas in art workshop after returning from captivity in Gaza
(Photo: Lior Rotstein)
4 View gallery
Yarden Bibas paints butterflies
(Photo: Courtesy of Hostages and Missing Families Forum)
"Butterflies appear in nature on warm days, when families go out on walks. Through them, I am sending my love to Shiri, Ariel and Kfir. Through them, I also demand freedom for the hostages who are still held in captivity. There is no independence until all the hostages are home. On this Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers, no family should be left without a tombstone to visit."
"Stop this madness now. It is time. Edan needs you! 59 hostages are crying out to you to bring them home. They, too, want independence. Do your jobs, make a deal to release all of them."
