A Pro-Israel Influencer’s Chilling Encounter with Antisemitism in Times Square
Zach Sage Fox, a prominent pro-Israel influencer, recently embarked on a mission to bring awareness to the tragic fate of the Bibas family, who were victims of Hamas terrorism. In a bold move, Fox set up a memorial in the heart of New York City’s Times Square to honor Ariel and Kfir Bibas, two young redheaded boys who, along with their mother Shiri Bibas and another individual, Oded Lifshitz, were kidnapped and killed in Gaza. The memorial, which included photos of the boys, orange balloons, orange flowers, and a crib spray-painted orange, was intended to serve as a place of mourning and reflection. However, what unfolded was far from expected.Fox revealed that the idea for the memorial came to him immediately after it was announced that the bodies of the Bibas family would be returned to Israel. He shared with Fox News Digital, "It was within seconds I had this vision of a crib in the middle of Times Square." He hoped the memorial would create an art piece to honor the victims and bring people together in their memory. While some individuals offered condolences, the event took a disturbing turn as it attracted antisemitic protests. Fox described the experience as terrifying, noting that some individuals used the memorial as an opportunity to scream "Free Palestine" and express hatred toward Jews. The influencer was so taken aback by the antisemitism he encountered that he even directly confronted one individual on camera, labeling him an antisemite—a step he admitted he had never taken before.
From the West Bank to Times Square: A Journey of Confrontation and Pain
Prior to setting up the memorial in Times Square, Fox had also traveled to the West Bank, where he conducted undercover interviews with individuals, including a freed terrorist. His experiences there were fraught with danger, and he revealed that he almost didn’t make it out alive. However, it was the events in Times Square that left him particularly shaken. Fox shared that the antisemitism he witnessed in one of the most iconic locations in the world was "some of the worst" he had ever encountered. He documented the interactions during the memorial and later posted videos on his Instagram, exposing the hateful rhetoric of those who disrupted the tribute. For Fox, the encounter was a stark reminder of the deep-seated prejudice that exists even in the heart of New York City.
The memorial was not just about mourning the loss of the Bibas family but also about highlighting the broader issue of Hamas’ brutality. Fox emphasized the emotional toll the tragedy had taken on the Jewish community, comparing it to the shock of Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023. While the October attacks had a "shock factor," the prolonged conflict and the targeting of innocent civilians, particularly children, had created a wound that felt even deeper. Ariel Bibas was only four years old, and Kfir was just nine months old when they were kidnapped and killed. Their mother, Shiri, who was also taken hostage and murdered, was laid to rest alongside her sons in a single casket. The family’s father, Yarden Bibas, who was also taken hostage but later released as part of a ceasefire deal, delivered a heartbreaking eulogy for his loved ones.
The Bibas Family: Symbols of Hamas’ Crimes and the Human Cost of Conflict
The Bibas family’s story has become a symbol of the horrors of terrorism and the immense suffering it inflicts on innocent lives. Ariel and Kfir’s red hair became a poignant symbol of their tragic fate, with the color orange being used to honor their memory. Fox hoped that by creating the memorial, he could bring attention to their story and the broader issue of Hamas’ crimes. However, the memorial also revealed the deep divisions and hatred that persist, even in a place as diverse and vibrant as Times Square. While some people stopped to offer their condolences, others used the opportunity to express their anger and hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people.
For Fox, the experience was both a testament to the resilience of the Jewish community and a disturbing reminder of the antisemitism that continues to plague society. He described the pain felt by the Jewish community as having "festered so deep," making the loss of the Bibas children even more devastating. The tragedy has resonated deeply with many, as it represents not only the loss of life but also the deliberate targeting of innocents in a conflict that seems to have no end in sight.
The Broader Implications: Antisemitism and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Fox’s experience in Times Square highlights the complex and often fraught nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the ways in which it can manifest in unexpected places. While the conflict is often framed in political and military terms, the Bibas family’s story underscores the human cost of terrorism and the enduring pain it leaves in its wake. Fox’s decision to create a memorial in Times Square was an attempt to bridge that gap, to bring the story of the Bibas children to a global audience and to challenge the indifference or ignorance that often surrounds such tragedies.
However, the antisemitic reactions he encountered serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those advocating for Israel and the Jewish community. Fox’s willingness to confront these individuals directly, even in the face of danger, reflects his commitment to shedding light on antisemitism and to honoring the memories of those who have been lost. The incident also raises important questions about the role of public spaces in facilitating dialogue and the limits of tolerance in the face of hatred.
In the end, Fox’s story is one of both tragedy and resilience. It highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the Jewish community and the importance of standing against antisemitism in all its forms. At the same time, it reminds us of the human cost of conflict and the need for compassion, understanding, and peace.
