Pro-Israel Influencer Zach Sage Fox Confronts Antisemitism in Times Square Memorializing Bibas Family
Zach Sage Fox, a pro-Israel influencer, recently found himself at the center of a contentious debate after setting up a memorial in Times Square for the Bibas family, who were tragically killed after being taken hostage by Hamas. Fox’s experience highlights the complex and often volatile intersection of political activism, online influence, and the deeply entrenched issue of antisemitism. While Fox ventured into the West Bank, interviewing a released terrorist, he claims he encountered some of the most blatant antisemitism he has witnessed right in the heart of New York City.
The memorial was specifically dedicated to Ariel and Kfir Bibas, two young brothers who, along with their mother Shiri, became symbols of the human cost of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The memorial featured pictures of the boys, prominently displayed alongside orange balloons, orange flowers, and a crib spray-painted orange. The color orange was chosen to represent the Bibas children, both of whom were known for their red hair. This visual representation aimed to capture the innocence and vulnerability of the young victims, aiming to resonate with passersby and foster a sense of collective mourning.
According to Fox, the idea for the memorial came to him immediately after the announcement that the bodies of Ariel, Kfir, Shiri Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz would be returned to Israel. He described the inspiration as almost divinely guided, stating, "You know, sometimes I feel God gives me an idea. And this immediately came to my head. It was within seconds I had this vision of a crib in the middle of Times Square." He recognized that many people encountering the memorial might be unaware of the Bibas family’s story or the broader context of the conflict. Nevertheless, he felt compelled to create "an art piece around their honor," hoping it would serve as a powerful statement and a gathering point for those wishing to express their sorrow.
While some individuals, including non-Jewish people and those unfamiliar with the Bibas children’s plight, offered their condolences and shared in the memorial’s somber atmosphere, the installation quickly became a focal point for protest and expressions of antisemitism. Fox described the experience as deeply disturbing, stating, "What was terrifying was it actually brought out the worst in a lot of antisemites who stopped by this memorial to scream ‘Free Palestine’ at us."
Fox’s decision to document and share these interactions has sparked further controversy. He interviewed attendees and passersby at the memorial, capturing their reactions and opinions on camera. He told Fox News Digital that the antisemitism he witnessed that evening was shocking. In one instance, he confronted an individual directly, stating, "I was so bad, I actually called him out as an antisemite. I don’t know if I’ve ever done that on camera." He subsequently posted videos of these interactions on his Instagram, labeling those who protested the memorial as "Jew haters." This move has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising Fox for exposing antisemitism and others criticizing him for potentially inflaming tensions and contributing to the polarization of the debate.
The Bibas family’s story is undeniably heartbreaking. Ariel was only 4 years old, and Kfir was just 9 months old when they were taken hostage. Their tragic deaths, along with their mother Shiri, have deeply impacted the Jewish community and beyond. They were laid to rest on February 26, 2025, along with their mother, Shiri Bibas, who was also taken hostage and killed in Gaza. The mom and her two young sons were buried together in one casket and all three were eulogized by Yarden Bibas, husband to Shiri and father to Ariel and Kfir. Yarden was also taken hostage on Oct. 7, but was later released as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal.
Fox expressed that the Bibas family’s fate resonated with him even more deeply than the initial shock of the October 7th attacks. He explained that while the attacks had a "shock factor," the subsequent period of war and uncertainty had allowed "pain" to "fester so deep within the Jewish community that I think this one just had an even bigger wound, especially because these babies really became the symbol of Hamas’ crimes." He viewed the loss of the Bibas family as a particularly devastating blow, symbolizing the cruelty and inhumanity of the conflict.
Fox’s actions in Times Square raise important questions about the role of online influencers in shaping public discourse on sensitive political issues. His decision to create a memorial, document the reactions of others, and share his experiences on social media has undoubtedly amplified the conversation around antisemitism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, it has also sparked debate about the ethics of confrontation and the potential for such actions to further divide communities.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of combating antisemitism in a world increasingly shaped by social media and polarized political landscapes. It serves as a reminder that even in the heart of a major metropolis like New York City, deeply rooted prejudices can surface and manifest in disturbing ways. The responses to Fox’s memorial, both positive and negative, reflect the complex and often conflicting emotions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the urgent need for constructive dialogue and understanding. Ultimately, Fox’s experience in Times Square serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of confronting hatred and prejudice in all its forms.
