Shiri was born on April 22, 1991, in Kibbutz Kramim to Margit and Yossi Silberman, and was the sister of Dana. The family moved to Nir Oz when she was just a few months old. She grew up and lived there her entire life.
For many years, she worked in the kibbutz education system, caring for the children, who loved her dearly. She inherited from her mother, the late Margit, a love of education and always dreamed of becoming a mother herself — family meant more to her than anything else.
Shiri earned a degree in education and worked as a kindergarten teacher and in informal education in various communities in the Eshkol Regional Council. Later, she studied bookkeeping and worked in the kibbutz administration office.
Like the rest of her family, Shiri was highly creative. She took part in cultural events in the kibbutz, and as an exceptionally devoted mother, she skillfully made her children’s elaborate costumes herself.
Shiri and Yarden met through mutual friends, the twins Eitan and David Cunio, who have been Yarden’s best friends since first grade and Shiri’s neighbors for most of her childhood. They were married by the pool at Kibbutz Tze’elim in May 2018. A year later, in August 2019, their eldest son, Ariel, was born, and in January 2023, Kfir was born.
Shiri was an incredible wife, mother and best friend — funny, loving, sensitive, caring, indulgent and calming. She always looked after everyone.
Quietly, gently and with the smile that so characterized her, Shiri immediately won the hearts of everyone she met.
Through her ability to give and love others, she touched everyone, young and old alike. She was a companion for both the deepest and the silliest conversations, always accompanied by her unique laughter.
Shiri was 32 years old at the time of her death.
Ariel was born on August 5, 2019, in Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he was raised.
He was an amazing, mischievous and funny little boy with a shy smile. Loved by everyone, he was a child of light and love.
He was a child brimming with the energy of a genuine redhead. He never sat still, was always in motion, climbing and jumping, bringing light to every room he entered, immediately drawing everyone’s attention.
With his mischievousness, shyness and charming smile, he captured the hearts of everyone he met.
He was a goofy kid who loved clowning around and making everyone laugh. At family picnics, he loved chasing butterflies.
He was a curious and intelligent child, an amazing friend to other children at the Gan Toot preschool, beloved by everyone.
Ariel was thrilled about the birth of his younger brother, Kfir, and was the perfect big brother: hugging, kissing and playing with him at every opportunity.
He adored superheroes, especially Batman. Like his father, he loved working in the garden and with tractors and other vehicles, riding, cleaning and fixing them.
Yarden and Shiri lovingly nicknamed him Chooki, while the rest of the family called him Lulu or Luli.
Ariel was four years old at the time of his death.
Kfir was born on January 18, 2023, in Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he was raised.
Kfir was cared for at the Nitzanim infant house on the kibbutz.
He was a sweet, captivating baby with a radiant smile and an infectious giggle who loved hugs and cuddles.
He joined the family, bringing great light and happiness – another redheaded child was welcomed into the family.
He was a calm, charming baby with a sweet, winning smile, always reaching out his arms for hugs and cuddles.
We will always remember his joyful laughter at Ariel’s antics and when his back was tickled.
Yarden and Shiri’s nickname for him was Poopik, while the rest of the family called him Foorfoor or Firfir.
How little time we had with you. How much we lost.
Shiri and Yarden were both born and raised on kibbutzim and could not imagine their lives, or their children’s, anywhere other than on a kibbutz, as part of a community among trees and wide paths. They loved hiking with the children, going on Saturday picnics and simply relaxing on the grass near the house or at the kibbutz pool.
Shiri and Yarden were amazing parents who always put their children first.
On the morning of October 7, 2023, Shiri, Yarden, Ariel, and Kfir sought shelter together in their safe room. At 9:43 a.m., terrorists invaded their home. Yarden tried to engage and fired his personal handgun from inside the safe room. After several minutes, fearing the gunfire might harm his family, Yarden threw his weapon toward the terrorists. They seized it and shot and killed the family’s dog, Tonto.
They beat Yarden in front of Shiri and the children, then abducted him to Gaza.
A short time later, another group of terrorists entered the house and took Shiri and the children captive.
The moments of their abduction were captured on video, showing a terrified Shiri holding and embracing Ariel and Kfir, who were wrapped in a blanket and surrounded by armed terrorists.
The video, which spread across social media, turned the family into a symbol of the Hamas terror organization’s brutality and the horrors of October 7, and the two redheaded children became familiar faces in Israel and around the world.
On the final day of the November 2023 deal, when mothers and children were released from captivity, Hamas announced that Shiri and the boys had been killed in IDF bombings.
Yarden was released on February 1, 2025, after 484 days in captivity, as part of an agreement between Israel and Hamas.
On February 20, 2025, the coffins of Ariel and Kfir were returned to Israel, and the following day, Shiri’s coffin was returned as well.
The IDF determined that Shiri, Ariel and Kfir had been murdered by terrorists while in captivity sometime in October 2023.
They were laid to rest on February 26, 2025, in the Moshav Tzohar cemetery.
We will forever remember them happy, laughing and full of joy. We will love and miss them forever.
May the memories of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir be a blessing.
