Chabad on Campus Starts #CampusforBibas Initiative to Honor the Bibas Family
The Jewish world was shaken by the heartbreaking murder of Kfir and Ariel Bibas—two innocent children who, along with their mother, Shiri Bibas, were brutally murdered by Hamas. But beyond the grief, a painful realization struck: Kfir and Ariel will never have the chance to put on tefillin, a sacred milestone for Jewish boys as they reach bar mitzvah age.
In response, Chabad on Campus International is launching the #CampusforBibas initiative, calling on Jewish students worldwide to embrace Jewish practices in their memory. For Jewish male students, this means taking on the mitzvah of wrapping tefillin—ensuring that while Kfir and Ariel were robbed of their future, thousands will carry on this tradition in their memory.
At the same time, in recognition of Shiri Bibas, Jewish female students are encouraged to light Shabbat candles in her honor, continuing the sacred tradition of Jewish women bringing light into the world each Friday before sunset.
Chabad is ramping up campus-wide efforts to distribute Shabbat candle sets and encourage participation in this meaningful mitzvah.
“This initiative was born from the painful reality that Kfir and Ariel will never get to grow up and put on tefillin, and Shiri will never again light Shabbat candles for her family,” said Rabbi Avi Weinstein, Chabad on Campus International COO, a representative of Chabad on Campus International. “Through #CampusforBibas, students can honor their memory in the most powerful way—by living Jewishly. Every mitzvah done in their name is a declaration that the Jewish people will never be extinguished.”
Since the tragedy, Jewish communities worldwide have expressed their heartbreak and commitment to strengthening Jewish life in memory of the Bibas family. On social media, one user shared,
“The thought of Kfir and Ariel never reaching their bar mitzvah broke me. I will put on tefillin every day for them.” Another wrote, “My daughter and I will light Shabbat candles for Shiri. Her light will not be lost.”
Through #CampusforBibas, Chabad on Campus calls on Jewish students and supporters everywhere to take action—whether by wrapping tefillin, lighting Shabbat candles or learning Torah. Every mitzvah is a tribute to the Bibas family and a declaration of Jewish resilience.
Jewish students who want to participate in #CampusforBibas are encouraged to reach out to their local Chabad on Campus to get involved. To find a Chabad center near you, visit: https://chabadoncampus.org/
