Ex-Hostage Bar Kupershtein Reflects on Two Years of Captivity

Bar Kupershtein, a 23-year-old security guard, recently emerged from two years of captivity under Hamas, a period he described as “hell.” Kupershtein was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, during an attack at the Nova Festival in Israel. Despite the trauma he endured, he expressed a positive outlook, focusing on humor and family as he prepared to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House.

Kupershtein’s decision to remain at the festival and assist wounded attendees during the attack ultimately led to his abduction. “I was responsible for the safety of all the partygoers,” he stated. “If I ran away and saved myself, knowing that others were there and I could have helped them, I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself.” Although hailed as a hero by survivors, he humbly insisted, “I just did my job.”

His captivity lasted for 738 days, during which he resorted to counting the days to maintain his sanity. He recalled being blindfolded and silent, with counting becoming one of the few activities available to him. The ordeal included moments of attempted execution, starvation, and abuse, leaving him feeling utterly miserable. “You feel like the most miserable person in the world,” Kupershtein recounted.

Life in Captivity and the Strength of Faith

Held underground with five other hostages, Kupershtein described conditions akin to a “small dungeon.” Following inflammatory remarks by far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, he and his fellow captives endured further violence. “They came to us, beat us and hit us,” he said, attributing the attacks to the political climate surrounding their government.

In April 2025, Hamas released a distressing propaganda video featuring Kupershtein and another hostage, Maxim Herkin, appearing gaunt and desperate. “All I was thinking about was that my family would know that I am alive,” he explained. His faith served as a crucial anchor during his darkest moments. “God gave me the strength to be strong,” he asserted, noting that every day he survived felt like a miracle.

Despite limited access to the outside world, Kupershtein managed to secure updates through a radio transmitter that broadcast Quran passages. He discovered an Israeli military station that provided news from home, allowing him to hear about his family’s efforts to secure his release.

A Father’s Fight and the Journey Home

Kupershtein’s father, Tal Kupershtein, a former volunteer paramedic with United Hatzalah, fought tirelessly for his son’s freedom. After suffering a stroke from a motorcycle accident three years prior to Bar’s kidnapping, Tal underwent extensive rehabilitation to regain his speech and advocate for his son. Bar felt connected to his family through their activism, recalling how his father participated in demonstrations for his release.

The family’s dedication kept hope alive, even as Bar faced numerous failed negotiations for his return. “Even when I was on my way home, I didn’t believe we were actually getting out,” he admitted.

Now free, Kupershtein describes his return to Israel as a daily dream. He expressed gratitude for being alive, stating, “There is an excitement every day to wake up in the morning here – and not there in the tunnels.” He looks forward to thanking President Trump, whom he regards as “an emissary of God,” for his role in the hostage release.

While he remains hopeful for peace, Kupershtein acknowledges the challenges ahead. “Personally, yes, but after these two years I was there, I know that the other side is really not interested in peace,” he stated.

Despite his optimism, he recognizes the lingering effects of his experience. “Of course, there are moments when I can’t fall asleep at night with hard thoughts,” he confessed. He actively seeks a supportive environment to help navigate these challenges, believing in the power of healing through connection.

As Bar Kupershtein embarks on this new chapter, his resilience and determination to move forward reflect a profound journey of survival and hope.