Hostage Survivor Bar Kupferstein Leads Thanksgiving and Forgiveness Event

Bar Kupferstein, a survivor of captivity, is leading a Thanksgiving and forgiveness event in Hostages Square to mark one year since his return home. The event includes other former hostages, families of fallen hostages, and bereaved families who wish to express gratitude to the Israeli people for their prayers and efforts for their release.

Kupferstein shared the profound impact of faith during his captivity, stating, "In the belly of the earth, in the darkness of the tunnels, we prayed in a whisper because we were forbidden to be heard and faith was what kept us alive. A year later, we will stand above the ground, in Hostages Square, alongside an entire nation that prayed and fought for us, and we can finally say together and in a loud voice: Thank you."

The event began with remarks from Julie Kupferstein, Bar's mother, and Riki Siton. Kupferstein then delivered a speech of thanks, initiating the evening of gratitude and forgiveness. Rabbi Lau and fellow hostage survivor Rom Bresslavsky are also participating.

Singer Eliyatzur will perform "The Last War," a song co-written by Kupferstein. The evening will also feature a live broadcast from the Western Wall with Ayelet Samrano, mother of the late Yonatan Samrano, and Michel Illouz, father of the late Guy Illouz.