How NOT To Talk To Children About The Dead Bibas Boys

Guidance from The Israeli Ministry of Miseducation

Dear Parents,

As part of the hostage release process, hostages who are no longer alive will be returned to Israel in the coming days. Our hearts break in these difficult moments, and all of us must do everything in our power to mediate this news to our little darlings who are still alive and “safe” [sic] in our homes.

The return of hostages who are no longer alive, especially the little Bibas boys Ariel (4) and Kfir (1), reverberates throughout the public discourse. Our children will not be able to escape noticing the return of those little bodies with the red hair. Nor should we want them to escape noticing.

Your children will definitely be exposed to these boys, they have seen their images and posters everywhere over the past 16 months. It is thus recommended to mediate this topic to your children according to their age, developmental stage, and degree of proximity to the barbarians at our gates. The closer your children are to the gates of hell, the redder your children’s hair is, the more you need to expose them to what’s just over the other side.

According to our most expert experts, it is recommended to maximize your children’s exposure to the news and difficult images as much as possible, so that your children are informed about the region they live in and the monsters that surround them at all times. The last thing we want is to raise another generation of carefree young people who go off dancing at music festivals right near the gates of hell, only to be ripped apart through their pelvises. That would be irresponsible parenting on a national scale. Unforgivable really.

As such, educational staff are instructed to initiate discussion on the dead Bibas boys in kindergartens and elementary schools throughout the country. The discussion will be conducted according to the professional guidelines in a rage-appropriate manner. It's important to encourage children to ask questions and answer them clearly and honestly as possible. There's no need to hide any details or sugarcoat anything. The main talking points to deliver to the children are thus:

1. You will never avoid being caught up in the forever war in this place you have been born into. This place is sick. Everyone here is infected. Our enemies are the sickest of all. They are infected with a very bad virus that passes down from generation to generation. It is a mind virus. Also, and this is important, most of the world thinks we have the bad virus and not them. Don’t forget that. But we have very good doctors and we know who is really sick in the head and who is not.

2. As you have seen with the failure to save the Bibas boys, know that no amount of public outcry, demonstrations, or posters will save you if you fall into the hands of the monsters. Don’t fall into the hands of the monsters. Do whatever you have to. The most you can hope for is to be a hunter and not the hunted. The poor Bibas boys were the hunted. Keep that in mind as you grow up. Keep the image of the Bibas boys in your mind always. Remember them when you have your own children someday, God willing. Internalize this. Write this down and tie this to your hands as a sign. Tie this on your forehead to remind you, and write this on your doors and gates.

3. Your parents cannot protect you. Your country cannot protect you. No matter how often adults tell you they can protect, don’t believe them. This is a fact. You are on your own. Adults you know and trust will tell you that our country is strong, that we have nuclear submarines, bunker busters, and exploding pagers. But none of these things saved the Bibas boys, remember that. They will even tell you that God will protect you. Fear and loathe these adults the most, the ones that come with the whole God thing. Of all the adults that will lie to you, these will lie to you the most.

Teachers should not miss this golden opportunity to instill real knowledge into our youth. Classroom discussions are thus encouraged to give space for a range of emotions, including worry, anger, rage, fear, intense hate for the enemy, a burning desire for revenge, brutality, and every animal instinct known to man. Educators are instructed to express understanding for these feelings. Do not try to stop children from running, howling, screaming, tearing their hair out, spitting, vomiting, or any other physical expression of their rage, confusion, and helplessness. Don’t let them bottle all this in, it’s not good for their development. You can join in too. Above all, don’t lie to the young. Thus we have prepared:

Words and phrases to avoid at all costs:

"I'm here for you"

"Someone is protecting us"

“Adults in Israel – families, security forces, citizens, and officials are constantly working to strengthen everyone's security and safety”

"It's okay to feel sad”

"There is hope - we believe things will be good"

Use these words and phrases instead:

“Be the hunter not the hunted”

“Nobody will protect you, get that through your head”

“Adults will lie to you and fail you when you need them most. Don’t rely on adults”

“Sadness is weakness. Anger, hate, strength through violence is your only chance”

“Abandon hope all ye who enter here, you’ll be safer that way”

“Maybe there is a God, maybe there isn’t. Either way, it doesn’t matter.”

Dear parents, in difficult days like these, you serve more than ever as a stable rock for your children. We strengthen you in these challenging times and want to stand by your side. Don't remain alone. Remember, as always – the school staff, homeroom teacher, counselor, psychologist, and school administration are available to strengthen the rage and resilience within your children. If needed, you can also contact the Ministry of Education's "Vengeance for All" hotline.

Official Ministry of Education logo: