Former hostage leads prayer service marking release from Hamas
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Bar Kupershtein, a paramedic from Holon, Israel, led a slichot prayer service in Tel Aviv to commemorate one year since Hamas released him from captivity.
Kupershtein had been kidnapped during the October 7 massacre at the Nova music festival and held in Gaza. He spoke about the importance of faith while held captive, and how the support of the Israeli public sustained him and other hostages.
Kupershtein thanked his family, the IDF, security forces, and the wider Israeli community for their efforts to secure the release of hostages. He also emphasized the need to remember those who were not able to return from captivity, acknowledging the ongoing pain for families who are still searching for loved ones. Former hostage Rom Braslavski joined Kupershtein at the service and echoed his gratitude for public support.
Braslavski also called on attendees to remember the hostages who died while in Hamas custody. Kupershtein used the occasion to advocate for Haymanut Kasau, an Ethiopian girl missing since February 25, 2024, urging Israel to continue searching for her.
