KATHMANDU: A video showing Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi, who was abducted from Kibbutz Alumim on October 7, 2023, has been made public at the request of his family—two years after his capture.
The footage, which was previously withheld under Israeli censorship, offers one of the only signs of life since his abduction and was cleared for release only recently.
In the video, Bipin introduces himself, saying: “Ismi (my name is) Bipin Joshi, I’m from Nepal. I’m 23 years old. I came to Israel 25 days ago. I came here for the ‘Learn and Earn’ program. I’m a student.”
His sister, Pushpa Joshi, confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that the release of the video is meant to help push forward a potential hostage deal.
Currently in the United States advocating for her brother’s release, Pushpa has extended her stay in Washington, D.C., and New York, in an effort to meet former President Donald Trump. “We are here with hope in our hearts,” she said. “We want to meet President Trump to urge action for Bipin’s safe return.”
She described the emotional toll the long wait has taken on her family and others, stating: “It’s been nearly two years—we can’t wait anymore. We have no strength left to wait.” In a direct message to diplomats and decision-makers, she added: “Please don’t turn back. Try to understand the pain of the hostages and their families. Take decisive action to bring them home.”
Bipin, who came from a remote village in western Nepal, had only arrived in Israel three weeks before the October 7 Hamas attack, participating in an agricultural training program. According to The Wall Street Journal, he is credited with saving lives during the attack by throwing back one of two grenades that were thrown into a windowless shelter. While he successfully deflected the first, the second grenade exploded, seriously injuring five of his friends.
The Joshi family says the newly released footage is a vital confirmation that Bipin is still alive. “This sign of life from Gaza is a source of strength for us and reaffirms our belief that he’s alive,” the family said. “It was a difficult decision to release it publicly, but these are critical, historic days that will determine the future of the 48 hostages.”
They concluded their statement with a heartfelt appeal to the global community: “We urge all diplomatic and international leaders—don’t give up. Bring them home.”
Video link/Jerusalem Post:
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