'Not forgotten': US envoy Huckabee, Yarden Bibas dedicate tree to murdered Bibas family

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Yarden Bibas, a former hostage released from Gaza, jointly dedicated an olive tree to Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, who were murdered during the October 7 Hamas-led attacks. The ceremony took place in the northern Israeli community of Moshav HaYogev as part of the My Tree in Israel initiative.

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The sacrifice that your family made for the people of Israel is one that obviously is not being forgotten.

"The sacrifice that your family made for the people of Israel is one that obviously is not being forgotten," Huckabee told Yarden and Ofri Bibas during the dedication. The plaque on the tree serves as a reminder that "life is still coming" and that the annual olive harvest will honor the memory of Shiri and her sons.

Yarden Bibas and his wife Shiri, along with their sons Ariel (4) and Kfir (9 months), were taken hostage on October 7. Only Yarden was returned alive.

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With the plaque on the tree, it's a reminder that life is still coming. The olives, every year, will produce wonderful, beautiful olive oil that you'll be able to have and share, and know that it's in memory of Shiri and your two sons.

The event also included the dedication of a tree for Ambassador Huckabee’s daughter, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, with his ambassadorial title noted on the sign. Additionally, Avi Harush, father of Sgt. Reef Harush who was killed in Gaza, presented Huckabee and his wife with a tree planted in his son's memory. Huckabee commended Sgt. Harush's sacrifice, stating it was made on behalf of Americans as well, given the significant U.S. presence in Israel.

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Anything that happens to Israel is going to happen to Americans because there are so many of us who are here. When someone falls in battle, they’re certainly fighting for Israel, but they are also defending the 700,000 US citizens who are here as well.