Toys for Hospitalized Children, an organization bringing happiness and healing to sick children in the U.S. and Israel, has announced the creation of a state-of-the-art “Bibas Pediatric Playroom” at Schneider Children’s Medical Center in Petach Tikva, Israel.
The organization hopes the playroom will transform a child’s hospital stay into a joyful and healing experience while also serving as a loving memory to the Bibas Family, the mother and two children, Shiri Bibas, Ariel and Kfir, who were brutally killed by Hamas in the wake of October 7, 2023. During the Nir Oz attack, part of the October 7th attacks that began the Gaza war, Palestinian terrorists kidnapped the Bibas family from their home at the Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel.
The donation was spearheaded by Sruli Anatian, CEO of Fundwell, and Michelle Domb, both of whom are Toys for Hospitalized Children board members. It is being designed with a modern, museum-like approach. The playroom will feature a nature theme representing the kibbutz, complete with butterflies, a nod to a favorite of Ariel and Kfir Bibas.
We are working with the entire Bibas family and have received their blessing. This collaboration includes Yarden Bibas, Ofri Levy (sister of Yarden), Dana Silberman-Seaton (sister of Shiri Bibas, A”H), and our close friend Maurice Shnaider (uncle to Shiri Bibas, A”H).
Maurice Shnaider, uncle of Shiri Bibas said, “Shiri’s mother, Margit, was my sister who was also from Nir Oz. I wholeheartedly endorse Toys for Hospitalized Children and their wonderful project to build a playroom at Schneider Pediatric Hospital in memory of my niece and her beautiful children. This will be a lasting place to remember them while providing hospitalized children with a space to take a break and have fun.”
Rabbi JJ Hecht II, president of Toys for Hospitalized Children, expressed his enthusiasm: “Ariel, Kfir, and Shiri’s memory is especially poignant as Schneider Children’s Hospital helped to triage children returning from captivity in Gaza. This playroom symbolizes the strength and resilience of the Jewish community.”
“We feel so connected to this project, as we were in Israel during the funeral of Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel,” said the donors. “We promised that from the ashes of this heartbreak we would build something meaningful. That’s what is so beautiful about the Jewish people; in the face of devastation, we come together in love. We will begin this project immediately and create a playroom where children experience joy and healing.”
The Bibas Pediatric Playroom will be a 40-square-meter space designed to foster healing through play and imagination. Schneider Children’s Medical Center treats thousands of children each year, many of whom battle serious illnesses. Located in a unit with 33 beds, the playroom will be a safe, comforting environment, helping to lift children’s spirits during challenging times.
Jack Ovadia of Ovadia Design in NYC, known for creating sophisticated and innovative spaces, inspired the room’s design. It is being practically designed, built, and furnished by Breeze Creative, known for the design and development of interactive, custom-built modern spaces. Past projects include immersive experiences at LaGuardia Airport, Emaar Aquarium, Rise by Barclays in New York City, the City Museum Tel Aviv Yafo, and the Davidson Center – Archaeological Park.
To donate to the Bibas Pediatric Playroom, please click here. https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=B2D222JZTECF2
This is an incredible project, and a beautiful way to honor their memories!