Bibas Family Funeral: Processing Grief While Covering Israel's Hardest Stories

Shanna Fuld CEO of the Israel Daily News covering the Bibas Family Funeral

Covering the Bibas family funeral was one of the heaviest days of my war coverage.

Wednesday began in Rishon LeZion, where the caskets were carefully placed into vans before beginning their final journey. I followed the procession through the streets alongside mourners who gathered at 7 a.m. to pay their respects. The sorrow was visible on every face.

Later, I stood at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv during the live viewing of the funeral, surrounded by thousands of people sharing in the grief. Reporting on tragedy is never easy, but this felt different. It was not just a story—it was collective heartbreak.

The Emotional Impact of the Bibas Family Funeral

The Bibas family funeral became a moment of national mourning, bringing together Israelis from all walks of life to grieve a family whose story touched the entire country.

The following day, still carrying the emotional weight of the funeral, I interviewed psychoanalyst Erica Komisar about how people process trauma.

The conversation was unexpectedly healing. She spoke about making space for difficult emotions and the importance of "quiet time"—allowing ourselves to sit with grief rather than push it aside.

After such a painful week, I felt many people needed that message. Instead of publishing my usual news update, I released the interview as a podcast episode, hoping it would offer listeners a chance to pause and reflect.

Recognizing News as Trauma

One lesson from the week is that it is important to recognize the news we consume as a form of trauma exposure.

The events we witness, read about, and discuss every day carry emotional weight. It is okay to process them. It is okay to sit quietly, step away from the headlines, or take extra time to rest.

Sometimes the healthiest response is simply allowing yourself space to feel.