Hostage Survivor Bar Cooperstein Marks One Year Home with Gratitude Event

Bar Cooperstein, a survivor of captivity, will hold a special evening of gratitude and prayers for forgiveness this Thursday at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, marking one year since his return home. In an interview, Cooperstein described the prayers he held while captive, his struggles with nightmares, and the mission he has undertaken. "We are coming to say thank you to the Creator of the world and to everyone who fought for us," he stated.

Cooperstein views the event as a way to close a circle, both for himself and for the other hostages, and to thank everyone who worked tirelessly for their release. He emphasized that the gratitude extends to the Tel Aviv municipality, citizens who protested, and the Creator for his safe return. "It's a closing of the circle for everyone, for me personally, for the other hostages, and for everyone who fought for us and contributed," he said.

Beyond expressing thanks, Cooperstein intends for the evening to honor the memory of those who did not survive their captivity. "I said we need to do something for the souls of all the murdered, and there is no more fitting day than an evening of forgiveness," he explained, adding that the prayers will also be dedicated to those injured or killed during the conflict. He finds deep meaning in observing the holidays this year, contrasting his current freedom with his past captivity.

Even while held captive, Cooperstein led his fellow hostages in prayer, reconstructing and teaching them the "selichot" (penitential prayers) from memory. He described these prayer sessions as a daily moment of hope and a brief escape from their harsh reality. Now, participating in public prayers at the Western Wall with thousands of others offers a powerful contrast to the five people who prayed together in captivity.

Cooperstein attributes his strength to divine intervention during his captivity. He also spoke about the immense efforts of his family and supporters to secure his release, which he only fully understood upon his return. While acknowledging the ongoing challenges and nightmares, Cooperstein is focused on the future and using his experience to promote understanding, particularly abroad, where he feels the need to share his story to counter what he perceives as attempts to distort the narrative of the conflict.