Toys for Hospitalized Children opens the Bibas Family Playroom at Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel
The story of the Bibas Family Playroom began in late February. Toys for Hospitalized Children Board member Michelle Domb visited Schneider Children’s Medical Center to bring happiness and healing to children hospitalized there. During her visit, Michelle saw the room designated for a future playroom. Afterward, she and Rabbi JJ Hecht II went to pray at Kever Rachel. As they left, they passed a sea of orange balloons, a tribute marking the funeral of Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel Bibas—the redheaded children whom all of Israel had been praying for.
Moved beyond words, Michelle turned to Rabbi Hecht and said, “JJ, I want to sponsor the playroom at Schneider, and I want to name it ‘The Bibas Family Playroom’ in memory of these children.”
Rabbi Hecht responded, “Michelle, if you want to do that, let’s do it.” He immediately reached out to Sruli Anatian, who generously agreed to partner with Michelle, pledging to cover 50% of the project. Together, their partnership ignited a vision, and they got to work to bring this idea to life.
A Vision of Healing
Through Play
On August 6, The Bibas Family Playroom opened with an emotional ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by members of the Bibas and Silberman families, hospital leaders, the playroom donors, and many friends of Toys for Hospitalized Children. The ribbon was cut by Yarden Bibas and Dana Silberman, sister of Shiri Bibas.
This playroom is far more than just a room filled with toys; it is a therapeutic sanctuary where children can heal through play.
“This playroom aims to bring light during life’s darkest times,” said Board Member Michelle Domb, who dedicated the space in honor of her children and grandchildren. “It will be a place where sick children can play, smile, and heal. It serves as a reminder that joy is a crucial part of recovery. Happy kids heal faster. Together, we can make a difference.”
Partnering in this project was Sruli Anatian, who contributed in honor of his beloved mother. “My Ima taught me that kindness knows no bounds,” he shared. “Supporting this room was my way of spreading her values in the world—bringing joy where it’s needed most.”
Mindy Schneider, whose family has long been a major benefactor of the hospital, spoke warmly at the event: “Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir will live on through this playroom forever.”
Designed with Heart and Meaning
The playroom was thoughtfully designed to reflect the warmth and spirit of the Bibas family’s kibbutz. Butterflies flutter across bright orange flowers, and cherished symbols like Tonto, the family dog, and the purple elephant—the last toy the children played with—are lovingly incorporated throughout the space.
Built in memory of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas A”H, this state-of-the-art room is transforming grief into purpose and tragedy into hope.
Maurice Shnaider, uncle to Shiri Bibas, reflected on the playroom’s comforting presence following the heartbreaking events of October 7:
“When Rabbi JJ Hecht told me about the playroom to honor Ariel and Kfir, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. After all our family endured, this space brings comfort and healing. Seeing it bring joy to sick children is the greatest tribute we could imagine.”
Part of a Bigger Vision
The Bibas Family Playroom is just the first of four engaging, therapeutic spaces being built by Toys for Hospitalized Children and Toys for Simcha at Schneider Children’s Medical Center. Each playroom will have a unique theme. These will include:
• The Toys for Simcha Playroom: With its ocean theme.
• The Michael M. Kameo Playroom: With its jungle theme.
• The Ruth Peres Music Playroom: With the theme of the sky and a twist of music.
The creative inspiration for these spaces was provided by Ovadia Design Group, led by Jack Ovadia, who donated their expertise. The tech and design were created by Breeze Creative, an Israeli award-winning company that brought its touchless interactive technology into the space. They created beautiful, safe environments that encourage children to explore and play.
“Our chairman of the board, Mr. Eli Cohen from Eli Cohen Insurance Agency, has been a tireless leader in our mission,” noted Rabbi Hecht. “His dedication ensures that every project is undertaken with the utmost care and impact.”
Healing Beyond Medicine
Toys for Hospitalized Children is transforming pediatric care through immersive playrooms. “This isn’t just a room with toys,” said Rabbi Hecht. “It’s a place where joy becomes part of the cure. We believe that when a child plays, they heal a little faster.”
Dr. Efrat Bron-Harlev, CEO of Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, expressed her support:
“At Schneider Children’s, we believe that recovery is not only physical. Children are whole beings—filled with thoughts, emotions, creativity, and spirit. Healing happens through medicine, but also through music, play, beauty, and love. This room brings that belief to life.”
The Bibas Family Playroom stands as a living reminder that even amid unimaginable tragedy, love, generosity, and the spirit of giving can create spaces where children not only recover, but thrive.
If you would like to be part of this mission to bring happiness and healing to hospitalized children, please follow us on Instagram @toysforhospitalizedchildren, together, we can make a difference!
